Encouraging children to get fit, equipping them with skills that will stay with them for life and ensuring they are part of a ‘fantastic sporting spectacle’.
 
That’s the ethos of the Manx Youth Games, which take place on Saturday 17th May at the National Sports Centre (NSC).
 
The Island’s biggest youth sporting event is attracting more than 1,200 young people aged between four and 15, competing in one of 12 sports. 
 
Competitors have attended weekly training sessions since January to prepare for the big day.
 
Gianni Epifani, Senior Sports Development Officer with the Department of Education and Children, said: ‘Through the hard work of qualified coaches, children have learned new skills and their fitness has improved.
 
‘The anticipation will be building for children as they prepare to take part in a fantastic sporting spectacle.’
 
A highlight of the 13th games will be the opening ceremony at 10am. Competitor, coaches and officials will march onto the track in their regional teams in front of a grandstand packed with parents, relatives, friends and guests. The games will be declared opened by Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children.
 
To celebrate the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Queen’s Baton Relay will be presented during the ceremony.
 
Following the 45-minute ceremony, competitors will make their way to the sporting venues.
 
The NSC will host athletics, badminton, basketball, hockey, squash, swimming and table tennis.  Netball will be staged at St Ninian’s Lower School, girls’ football and disability football will be at the Bowl, cricket will take place at Cronkbourne Cricket Club, tag rugby will use Douglas Rugby Club’s facilities at Port-e-Chee Meadow and crown green bowls will be played at Noble’s Park.
 
The day will conclude with each sport hosting medal ceremonies, competitors receiving a gold medal and a water bottle.
 
Minister Crookall said: ‘The DEC is proud of the Manx Youth Games and the opportunities it gives young people to engage in sport in a structured, fun and safe environment.
 
‘The games represent a fantastic opportunity to get young people involved in sport. However, the challenge is then for us to ensure structures are in place for these young people to stay involved and develop in their chosen sport after the day itself.’
 
Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager, HSBC Isle of Man, commented: ‘HSBC has supported the Manx Youth Games since 2002 through our global community investment programme, which focuses primarily on education and the environment. We are delighted to continue to support the games, which over the years have seen thousands of children taking part in a number of sporting disciplines. The commitment and dedication of all the sports coordinators, coaches and volunteers who are involved in making this such a worthwhile initiative is outstanding. It is a privilege for HSBC to be involved with the youth games and help with the continued community development on the Island.’
 
Gianni added: ‘We greatly welcome support from competitors’ families and friends but parking is always hard to come by and we’d encourage people to share cars or walk if they live close by.
 
‘There will be no parking in the NSC’s car parks other than disabled parking, which will be at the NSC pool car park on Groves Road. The official car park will be the pay and display car park at the Bowl, which is situated next to the Manx Utilities Authority’s power station at Pulrose bridge.’
 
For information about the Manx Youth Games, contact the Sport Development Unit on 688592.