1,200 children took part in the 2010 Manx Youth Games

Isle of Man sports development manager Paul Bridson says the 2011 Manx Youth Games will be a fitting warm-up to September's Commonwealth Youth Games.

In 2010, over 1,000 schoolchildren between eight and 14 participated in a dozen sports.

"This is the 10th year of the Manx Youth Games and it is definitely going to be the best yet," said Bridson.

This year's event will be opened at the National Sports Centre in Douglas on Saturday, 21 May.

There are eleven 11 on offer, including athletics, football, badminton and cricket.

Between now and March, children can choose two sports to receive training in, before selecting their chosen sport on Monday, 21 March.

This year will see the introduction of a new closing ceremony at the NSC

"The emphasis is on participation and trying something new," added Bridson.

The training sessions will start at the beginning of February and run until the end of the event. The sessions will be facilitated by qualified coaches in all regions of the island.

As well as the opening ceremony there will be a new closing ceremony. It is seen as a perfect dress rehearsal for the Commonwealth Youth Games in September.

"The Youth Games are a starting point, a way into sport," said Bridson.

"We hope many of the children will continue that interest and you never know, one or two may go on to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games on day."

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