Sporty youngsters who have encouraged others to get fit and active are being praised by Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children.

Forty-three 16-year-olds signed up for the Sure Sports Leader Programme last summer.

They attended a week-long camp, receiving training in coaching skills, safeguarding and protecting children, emergency first aid, teaching and disability inclusion.

They were then mentored over the summer by qualified and experienced Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) coaches.

Since September, they have honed their coaching skills as volunteers at MSR activities, clubs and schools, recording their hours in logbooks.

Telecoms company Sure Isle of Man presents annual and termly awards to the young people who give up the most time.

Overall winner Daniel Richardson, from St Ninian’s High School, was presented with an iPad by Edward Shimmin, Deputy Retail Sales Manager of Sure Isle of Man. He volunteered for 209 hours – a commitment the Minister described as ‘phenomenal’.

Sixth former Daniel will be invited onto the stage at the 2016 Isle of Man Sports Awards to receive a trophy marking his commitment.

Daniel was also the young leader who clocked up the most hours in the spring term and he received a ?100 Sure voucher in recognition of this, while runner up James McNee (Ballakermeen High School) received a ?75 Sure voucher and third placed Abuu Migoda (Ramsey Grammar School) received a ?50 voucher.

The Minister said: ‘MSR aims to get “more people more active more often” and the young leaders have worked in a variety of settings, encouraging even younger people into sport.

‘For example, leaders spent time in primary schools, preparing children for the Sure Sports Primary School Programme, which is also sponsored by the telecoms firm.

‘They gave up school holidays to volunteer at MSR activities for primary-aged children.

‘All but six of the 43 volunteers completed the programme in full, between them committing 1,365 hours to nurturing other youngsters to play sport,’ the Minister continued.

‘It’s even more impressive that they have fitted this in around school work, exams and their own sporting commitments.

‘Thanks to Sure Isle of Man for its year-round commitment to encouraging young people to take up and enjoy sport and adopt a healthy lifestyle.’

Sarah Jarvis, Marketing and PR Manager with Sure Isle of Man, said: ‘It’s humbling to learn how much time and effort the young Sports Leaders put in to help promote sport on the Island. These young people are juggling their own very busy schedule at a hectic time in their life and are still finding the time to devote to activities that truly makes a difference to their community.

‘I am immensely proud that Sure can support and reward their efforts and I wish all the volunteers every success for the future.’

For more information on the 2016/17 Sure Sports Leader Programme, contact Emma Callow, Community Sports Development Officer, via Emma.Callow@gov.im or 01624 688557.

Photo - from left, Abuu Migoda, Daniel Richardson and James McNee receiving their prizes at the Sure store in Strand Street from Edward Shimmin, Deputy Retail Sales Manager of Sure Isle of Man.