THE opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games have been arranged.
The organising committee unveiled the plans at a launch ceremony on Thursday, November 11.
Chairman Geoff Karran said: "With less than 300 days until the opening ceremony plans are now in full swing to deliver a games that the Island can be proud of.
"This is the most important multi sporting event that the Island has ever hosted and it is essential that it begins in spectacular fashion.
"With that in mind I am delighted to officially launch plans for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games."
Manchester based company Walk the Plank have been appointed to produce the ceremonies.
Liz Pugh, artistic director of Walk the Plank, said: "The beginning of the ceremony is inspired by Manx folklore, magic, and marauding Vikings and will be executed to a thunderous soundtrack and spectacular pyrotechnics. This will then give way to the spirit of youth, dances of the world, and the carnival of the commonwealth.
“We are committed to putting on a great show befitting the importance of the games and proudly representing the Isle of Man to a global television audience."
Local hip-hop dance teacher David Cowley, of Represent Dance Company and Kinetix Crew, has been announced as the assistant artistic director.
He said: "We are looking to recruit about 150 enthusiastic young people between the ages of 13 and 18 to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the Island on the international stage. It doesn't matter if you are not a dancer or performer - if you are enthusiastic and can commit to attending rehearsals there will be a role for you."
David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said: "Having been the Minister who was responsible for securing the CYG in my former role at the Department of Tourism and Leisure and recently obtaining the funding for the refurbishment of the Bowl, King George V Park, I am really pleased at the progress being made and cannot wait to welcome the nations of the Commonwealth to our little nation."
The opening ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 8, at the Bowl. The closing ceremony will be held on Monday, September 12, at the Villa Marina.
