Six schools took part in a fun golf festival at the National Sports Centre on Wednesday.

The event was part of 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.

Golf is one of seven sports in the programme, which encourages pupils to get active and enjoy sport.

Pupils from Onchan, Ashley Hill, Willaston, Bunscoill Rhumsaa, St Mary’s and Jurby primaries learned skills such as chipping and putting before competing for fun. A teacher challenge was won by Laura Kinmond from Ashley Hill.

Kirsty Cooper, Sports Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘Encouraging physical activity among the young and increasing the number of children who regularly take part in sport are objectives of our Strategy for Sport 2014-2024.

‘If children enjoy sport early in life, this can lead to a lifelong passion or hobby, with resulting benefits of an active lifestyle.’

The Sure Sports Primary School Programme has already featured rugby, badminton and hockey and continues with netball this month, kwik cricket in May and athletics in June.

Sarah Jarvis, Marketing and PR Manager for Sure Isle of Man, said: ‘Through this varied, year-round programme, we are pleased to introduce pupils to sports they may not have tried before.

‘Sport is a great way to stay active and socialise. We hope pupils taking part in the programme continue to participate in sport, whether for enjoyment or more competitively.’

Junior golf sections commence at all the Island’s golf clubs over the Easter holidays. Email Melanie Jansen at gdo@isleofmangolf.im for further info.

For more information on sporting opportunities for young people, ring Kirsty on 01624 688559 or email Kirsty.Cooper@gov.im.

Kirsty thanked Isle of Man Golf for assisting at the event.