The Games will celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2011

Organisers of Saturday's Isle of Man Youth Games have hailed the event as a 'huge success.'

The Games gave 1,200 Manx school children between the ages of eight and 14 the opportunity to participate in one of a dozen sports.

Organiser Paul Bridson told BBC Isle of Man: "For so many children to get an opportunity to try something new is absolutely fantastic."

Saturday's Games were the ninth annual running of the event.

Isle of Man sports development manager Bridson continued: "The emphasis is on participation and trying something new rather than winning."

It is something they will all remember and we hope the Games will prove a starting point for a lifetime's involvement in sport Paul Bridson

The opening ceremony was awash with colour as all the participants and coaches paraded around the Bowl in Douglas before heading off for their various activities.

The sports featured were athletics, badminton, basketball, girls football, hockey, cricket, netball, squash, swimming, table tennis, rugby and tennis, with every child who took part receiving a medal.

"We've received some excellent feedback from the children and their parents so we will look to take on board all their comments and continue to develop the event next year, " he added.

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