More than 320 primary school pupils took part in a badminton festival at the National Sports Centre on Wednesday.
The event was the latest in the 2016/17 Sure Sports Primary School Programme, which is sponsored by the telecoms firm and run by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) – part of the Department of Education and Children.
Badminton is one of seven sports in the programme, which encourages pupils to get active and enjoy sport.
Joshua Green, part-time Badminton Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘In the lead-up to the event we held training sessions, helping pupils to learn some of the fundamental skills of badminton.
‘These were led by qualified club coaches and young people participating in the Sure Sports Leader Programme.
‘Eight to 11-year-olds from 21 schools took part in yesterday’s event. They had a great time and as they get older it’s hoped they’ll continue to play, whether for fun or in a more formal setting of a club.
‘Encouraging physical activity among the young and increasing the number of children who regularly take part in sport are objectives of Manx Sport and Recreation’s Strategy for Sport 2014-2024.’
Ballacottier Primary was the festival’s overall winner and scored the highest points among girls while Cronk-Y-Berry Primary’s boys came out top on points.
Sarah Jarvis, Marketing and PR Manager for Sure Isle of Man, said: ‘It’s pleasing to bring sporting opportunities to so many pupils and to see so many primary schools participating in the year-round programme.
‘It’s especially rewarding that 15 to 18-year-olds learning valuable coaching skills via the Sure Sports Leaders Programme we run with MSR are helping to prepare younger pupils for these events.’
For more information on badminton, ring Josh on 01624 651572 or email Joshua.Green@gov.im.
The Sure Sports Primary School Programme started with rugby festivals last month continues with hockey and golf in February, netball in March, kwik cricket in May and athletics in June.
Photo - the winning school, Ballacottier, with Roberta Cannell, chairman of junior badminton for the Isle of Man Badminton Association, Joshua Green, Badminton Development Officer with MSR, and Ian Collister, development committee member with the association.
