The 2014 Manx Youth Games was officially launched on Monday.
It’s the island’s largest multi-sport event for youngsters, with more than 1,000 participants.
Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen said: ‘I am delighted to formally launch this fantastic event, which is without doubt one of the highlights of the Manx sporting calendar.
‘The Manx Youth Games is now in its 13th year, and since the first Games back in 2002 the event has kindly been supported by HSBC.
‘During the last 13 years the Manx Youth Games has offered young people of the island accessible opportunities to engage in sport and enjoy the benefits an active lifestyle offers.’
Training sessions for youngsters aged four to 15 will start later this month in all regions of the island and run up to the day of the event, on Saturday, May 17.
There are 12 sports in this year’s event: athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, crown green bowls, girls football, hockey, netball, squash, swimming, table tennis and tag rugby.
Youngsters will represent one of five regions, north, west, east (divided into two) and south depending on where they live.
The sports development unit has been busy visiting every school in the island.
Pupils have been shown a promotional video of last year’s event, and given a training booklet which contains all the details of the training sessions.
There are a number of aims of the MYG.
They include building confidence and improving social and life skills of young people, attracting new participants and identifying new talent.
Mr Cregeen said: ‘The values of taking part in sport are clear: team work, fair play, achieving goals and, just as importantly, the MYG offers young people the opportunity to meet new friends, have lots of fun and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.’
HSBC senior manager Kevin Cartledge said: ‘It is a privilege for HSBC to be involved with the Youth Games and help with the continued community development on the island.’