50 CHILDREN have been selected to try out for a place in the finals of the Fun in Athletics competition after the first ever Manx trials in Sports Hall Athletics.

Local athletic clubs and primary schools were asked to nominate their most talented athletes to attend the trials which saw 120 children in total take part in heptathlon events.

The trials were held by the Isle of Man Athletics Association and were part of the selection process for a team to represent the Isle of Man at the Fun in Athletics north-west regional final, at Sport City in Manchester, in January.

The top 25 boys and 25 girls who were selected on the day and will now attend weekly squad training sessions to improve their skills and try to earn themselves one of the 30 available spaces on the team.

Trevor Christian, athletics development officer, said: "Selecting the team will be difficult as there are so many excellent young athletes on the squad. They will be assessed not only on their athletic performance but their commitment to training, teamwork, fair play and most importantly, having fun!"

The trials consisted of two heptathlon events, hosted at Ballakermeen High School, for children in school years five and six. They took part in events such as the hi-stepper, shuttle, speed bounce, foam javelin, standing long jump, chest push, vertical jump and 10 x 10 metre shuttle.

All athletes taking part received certificates and across the two trails an amazing 46 bronze awards, eight silver, and four gold were issued.

Trevor added: "The IOMAA would like to give a big thank you to all the volunteers who have made the trials and training sessions possible and to Isle of Man Sport for their financial support. 

"Thanks must also go to Flybe who have been extremely helpful in rearranging their winter flight schedule to enable the trip to take place. Without their assistance the team selected will not be able to get to the final in January."