IOM - CGF press release 2

Enthusiastic and Spectacular Opening for IV Commonwealth Youth Games on Isle of Man

For immediate release - September 9, 2011

“You arrive as guests, but will leave as friends” – David Cretney, Minister of Community Culture and Leisure, Isle of Man Government

A spectacular Opening Ceremony heralded the beginning of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man last night.

More than 225 local gymnasts, dancers, and musicians paid tribute to the Isle of Man’s rich cultural heritage, in a welcome performance centring on the fable of Mannanan; ancient Celtic sea-god and legendary first ruler of the island.

Athletes and officials from 63 Commonwealth countries participated in front of a capacity 4,000 crowd at ‘The Bowl’ – Isle of Man’s National Stadium. The event was broadcasted live online by the BBC.  

Juliet Holt, President of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, addressing the athletes said: “You’ve already achieved extraordinary heights to qualify to get here, some of you will win medals, some will not, but do support your teams no matter what.

“One of the best things you will take from these Games is the opportunity to make friends across the Commonwealth.

“Those friendships can last a lifetime. This is your moment to aim not for the stars, but for the sky beyond.”

President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Hon. Michael Fennell, OJ CD said: “A Youth Games on the Isle of Man epitomises the ethos adopted by the Commonwealth Games Federation for the Youth Games.

“They exemplify the traditions of the Commonwealth Games movement by bringing together young people to celebrate our diversity and our culture.

“I wish all of you every success in your sporting endeavours.”

His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex, opening the Games said: “I’m delighted the Isle of Man is generously supporting yet another major sports event.

“An event like this could not happen without the dedicated efforts of hundreds of volunteers and supporters.

"I’d like to thank you all, and also the officials and sponsors.

“You are not just the future athletes of the Commonwealth; you are the next generation of the Commonwealth.

“This extraordinary family, to which we all belong, is interconnected by an amazing array of common foundations, friendship and delicate relationships.

"Sport is perhaps the most tangible manifestation of this.

“The Commonwealth doesn’t exist for you, but because of you, and when you get home spread the message of what the Commonwealth and these Games meant to you.”

Notes to editors:
 
•    Highlights of the speeches from the Opening Ceremony are available on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydAwJ9w02HM

•    The 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in the Isle of Man 7-13 September 2011.

•    The seven sports participating in the Commonwealth Youth Games are: Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rugby 7s, Swimming.

•    The athletes’ ages range from 13 – 18 yrs, depending on the sport.

•    The first Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Edinburgh in 2000, followed by Bendigo, Australia in 2004 and Pune, India in 2008.

•    After 2008, the timing of the Games was moved from Olympic year to avoid clashes with countries’ Olympic preparations. The next Games after 2011 will be in Samoa in 2015.