The Minister for Education and Children has spoken of the huge economic, reputational and social benefits sport brings to the Isle of Man.

Tim Crookall MHK was speaking after a night of celebrations for Manx sporting achievement.

The Isle of Man Sports Awards 2014, sponsored by the Isle of Man Bank, saw Peter Kennaugh crowned Sportsman of the Year and Zoe Gillings-Brier Sportswoman of the Year among a host of fiercely contested awards.

The Minister said: ‘It was superb to see our most successful Manx sportsmen and women honoured for their achievements.

‘It has been quite a year for sport. As well as Peter Kennaugh famously winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, Mark Christian scooping two gold medals at cycling’s World Track Cup, Danny McCanney becoming World Enduro under-23 champion and Charlotte Atkinson securing silver for Great Britain at the Youth Olympics, the year saw several other athletes from the Island compete at world championship, European championships and GB representative level.

‘Behind every world champion or medal-winner there’s a small army of people who have coached and nurtured them along the way and last night’s event at the Villa Marina was a testament to them,’ the Minister said.

‘The success of Manx sport brings massive economic, social and reputational benefits for the Island, putting us on the map worldwide and attracting widespread media coverage.

‘Our investment in infrastructure, programmes and grass roots support is paving the way for this success.’
 
Involving people in sport at an early age and maintaining this involvement for the benefit of their health is equally important to our economy, the Minister said.

A new 10-year Strategy for Sport sets out ways people will be encouraged into an active lifestyle.

Inactivity costs the Isle of Man Government ?11.6 million a year, obesity accounting for ?5.6 million of that.

The Minister said the last year, since sport moved to his Department, has seen a membership package for the NSC launched and a refurbishment of the gym planned and health-boosting initiatives developed with regional swimming pools.

Health and well-being programmes are helping those with specific problems.

There has been an increase in the number of people with disabilities participating in sport and exercise, with wheelchair sports clubs, special educational need coaching sessions and a festival programme for schools, the Minister added.

More than six in 10 children aged eight to 14 are involved in community sport in some way.

Said the Minister: ‘Not everyone can win a gold medal or be crowned Sportsman or Woman of the Year but staying active brings benefits to everyone in our community.’