Statements
As one of the smaller nations in the Commonwealth the Isle of Man is very proud to have been invited to host the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011. The Island has a unique and long history in the world of sport and we aim to provide a superb festival of sport, which combines competition at the highest level with a friendly Manx welcome.
On behalf of the Government of the Isle of Man, I am delighted to extend a warm invitation to the sporting youth of the Commonwealth to join us in September 2011 to celebrate the 4th Commonwealth Youth Games.
Hon J A Brown MHK
Chief Minister of the Isle of Man
"This year, as we celebrate a landmark for the greatest road racing event in world, it is indeed exciting to look ahead to another event which can be regarded as exceptional and special. The Commonwealth Youth Games, first held in Scotland in Millennium year, will, in five years time, bring over a thousand of the finest young athletes in the world to these shores.
As we send out this message, "sportsmen and women, we want you to have the freedom to flourish here", we have already started out on the road to making sure that when they arrive here, in 2011, they will enjoy a memorable experience. Not only the warmest welcome they could imagine, but the facilities that will enable them to perform at their best.
As Minister of Tourism and Leisure, I am well aware of the work involved " behind the scenes" by those involved to ensure major events run smoothly and hundreds of young athletes will already be preparing to benefit from this special year in Mann. This event is not just for those athletes however, it is for all of us to relish and enjoy.
This is a whole Island effort and will need to be if we are to make these Manx Commonwealth Youth Games the benchmark event that others will want to emulate, just as we have already achieved with the “Island Games” which were born here on the Isle of Man.
Rather like a long distance runner, we have started a lengthy journey: and like the thousands of runners in the London marathon, we will reach the tape successfully with the encouragement of those who stand by the roadside, giving their encouragement and support.
May I wish good luck to all those who have their sights set on this beautiful Island in 2011. They will play their part. Its up to us to play ours.
Hon A Earnshaw, MHK,
Minister for Tourism and Leisure
The Isle of Man is a small Island situated in the Irish Sea. It is a Crown Dependency of the British Islands boasting of its own Independent Parliament which has existed for over 1000 years, and it is steeped in history. It has a population of 80,000 people who are fortunate enough to enjoy the beauty if the Island with plenty of beaches to breathe in the fresh sea air, lots of open countryside for ramblers, and an easy going environment in which to raise families. Its climate is moderate, never too hot, never too cold. One thing you can always be assured of on the Island is a Warm Manx Welcome.
Sports plays an active part in life on the Island with the Government committed to work in partnership with the IoM Sports Council, Local Authorities, Schools and Clubs to provide adequate facilities and therefore the ability for anyone to participate in sports, and go on to fulfill their potential by achieving National and International success. We can boast that the World Enduro Champion, a Commonwealth Game Gold Medalist in Track Cycling, and several British Champions in various sports are all Manx born people.
We have been given the honour of being the first small nation to be awarded the hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Games and we extend a warm welcome to all nations of the Commonwealth to come to our Island from the 7th to the 13th September 2011 and compete in what we hope will be a friendly yet very competitive Games. We are determined to make these Games one that will be favourably remembered by all taking part or coming as officials or spectators.
Geoff Karran
Chairman of the Organising Committee
