THE 10th anniversary HSBC Manx Youth Games closed yesterday afternoon with a spectacular closing ceremony in front of a crowd of thousands at the new Bowl national stadium.
The Island’s biggest multi-sport event of the year saw around 1,200 children take part in 11 different sports throughout the day before they all converged on the newly refurbished national stadium.
Dancers, drummers and gymnasts entertained a packed stadium of parents, supporters and children in a memorable occasion which is the forerunner of the Commonwealth Youth Games in September.
Children taking part were between 8 and 14 years old, competing in athletics, basketball, table tennis, tag rugby, squash, football, netball, hockey, cricket and swimming. It was covered throughout by 3FM.
To conclude the day, every child taking part received a medal to celebrate their participation in the event.
The occasion also included an opportunity to present awards to the coaches who have supported the Manx Youth Games since its inception and a chance to see the Isle of Man’s Manx Youth Games squad for September.
Speaking at the end of the day, David Cretney MHK, Minister for Culture, Community and Leisure said, “This has been another fantastic day. It makes you realise just how lucky we are to live in the Isle of Man and how wonderful we are to have such generous sponsors as HSBC and, above all, to have so many volunteers who give their time and energy to making this so special.”
