Countdown Commences for Isle of Man Commonwealth Youth Games 2011

With less than 100 days to go, the countdown is well underway until the start of the fourth Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG2011),  which are being held on the Isle of Man from the 7th to 13th September 2011.

As one of the most prestigious sporting events ever to be hosted on the Island preparation is entering its final stages, in order to ensure all sporting venues are ready for the occasion. This includes the recent refurbishment of the Bowl Stadium in Douglas which will host the Opening Ceremony.

A total of 69 Commonwealth nations will be attending the Games with approximately 1,000 young athletes between the ages of 13 and 18 competing in events which include;  Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rugby 7s and Swimming.

Tickets for the CYG2011 Opening Ceremony and the seven sporting events will go on sale to the public from Monday 13th June with prices ranging from £6 to £15. The cycling events are free to spectators (no tickets required) including access to the Grandstand for the Road Race on Saturday 10th September.

Allan Bell MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, commented, "We are honoured to be hosting the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games as it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our beautiful island to the rest of the world. 

"With our sporting facilities, performance venues and infrastructure together with our heritage, scenery and the welcome and warmth of the Manx people we have an opportunity to show the visiting nations of the Commonwealth the unforgettable Isle of Man."

Gymnast Beth Tweddle competed in the first ever Youth Games in Edinburgh in 2000 winning two Gold, one Silver and one Bronze medal and is now setting her sights on Olympic glory in 2012.

Commenting on the Commonwealth Youth Games Tweddle said, "Competing in the Commonwealth Youth Games was a massive thing for me and it was great to experience a multi-sport event. Having other distractions around you makes you have to concentrate even harder on your particular sport.

"Competing in the Commonwealth Youth Games has definitely made me a better athlete. For the youngsters competing in this year’s Games it will give them a massive boast.

"They will get to experience a major tournament which I am sure will boast their ambitions and will give them the drive to want sporting success even more."

The athletes are expected to arrive on the Island from the 4th to 7th September with the Opening Ceremony taking place in the new upgraded Bowl on Thursday 8th September.

The Games will take place over three days, finishing on Sunday 11th September and will be followed by a day of Culture in Castletown on 12th September where the competitors will join in activities specifically linked to the Isle of Man heritage and traditions.

Over 600 volunteers from the island have signed up to help with the Games, acting as ambassadors for the island and assisting visitors with all the necessary information required to make their stay enjoyable.