THE 10th HSBC Manx Youth Games have been officially launched by Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK.
The Minister launched the games, which take place on Saturday, May 21, at the Douglas branch of HSBC on Monday.
He said: "I am delighted to formally announce the beginning of this wonderful event which is without doubt one of the highlights of the Manx calendar.
"This year sees the event celebrate its 10th anniversary - with every year kindly sponsored and supported by HSBC since its inception in 2002.
"To mark such a milestone this year's HSBC Manx Youth Games will for the first time involve a closing ceremony in addition to the extremely popular opening ceremony that has become such a popular attraction of the previous nine years.
"I can assure you it will be a spectacular occasion and one not to be missed which will live long in the memory of all those that participate in it."
There are 11 sports involved in this year's event. Training sessions will start in February and will run up until the day of the games.
Sessions will be run by qualified coaches in all regions of the Island and will be open to children between the ages of eight and 15.
Local children from Fairfield Primary School were present at the official launch and modelled the new anniversary t-shirt which will be distributed to all those who take part in the games.
Kevin Cartledge, manager of HSBC said: "On behalf of the bank we are delighted to once again be involved with supporting this wonderful event.
"I am in awe of the outstanding commitment and dedication of all the sports co-ordinators, coaches and volunteers who are involved in making this such a worthwhile initiative.
"It is a privilege for HSBC to be able to assist with the funding of the Youth Games and help with the community development in the Island."
The Sports Development Unit of the Department of Community Culture and Leisure will be visiting all schools in the Island over the next two weeks to promote the Manx Youth Games.
Children will be shown a promotional video of last year's event and will receive a training booklet which details all the training sessions that are taking place.
