Friends Provident International has announced that it is to support the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, in a ?20,000 sponsorship deal. 

The games, which will take place from 7th - 13th September 2011, will be one of the biggest events ever to take place on the Island.

Announcing the sponsorship, Friends Provident International, General Manager, Jonathan Hall, said,

"We are delighted to be able to give our backing to the Games. 

"Friends Provident International has operations around the world, and serves a truly global customer base, with many of our customers living and working in Commonwealth countries. 

"We believe that the games will play a major role in raising the Island’s international profile, and we are only too happy to play our part in what I’m sure will be a milestone event.

"Hosting the games is a huge accolade for the Island, and will go a long way to helping it take its place on the world stage".

Friends Provident International will be a Partner Sponsor for the Games, one of nine such sponsors, and the announcement of its involvement is the latest boost to the momentum of the event, which will bring over 1,000 competitors, 600 officials, plus the world’s media, to the Island in 2011. 

Commenting on the announcement, Geoff Karran, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said, "It's great news to have Friends Provident International on board.

"Their support for the Games is yet another example of a Manx-based company stepping forward to help make the 2011 Games a success.

"The Organising Committee looks forward to working with Friends Provident International, and welcomes their support."  
 
Pictured: Jonathan Hall (right), General Manager of Friends Provident International and Mike Dee of the IOM Commonwealth Youth Games Committee (left) get on their bikes to mark Friends Provident International's sponsorship of the Commonwealth Youth Games.