There is a packed programme of activities for children and young people to get involved with during the school summer holidays.

Manx Sport and Recreation and the Youth Service, both part of the Department of Education and Children, have jointly published the programme.

The programme starts on Monday 27th July and runs until Tuesday 9th September and offers sessions for pupils aged five to 18.

Aaron Quinn, Senior Sports Development Officer, said: ‘The programme features the traditional holiday venture scheme weeks based at Cronk-y-Berry Primary School, at which young people can enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including visits to heritage sites and beaches.

‘Breakfast and evening clubs will run to assist working parents, too.’

Aaron said: ‘There is also an extensive programme of sports for children, with sessions taking place all over the Island. Children can try their hand at everything from football, cricket and racquet sports, to mountain biking, athletics, golf and angling. There are dedicated sessions for young people with disabilities in a wide range of sports including kayaking, sailing, football and athletics. There is a Paralympic day on the 28th July at the National Sports Centre where young people will have a unique opportunity to take part in Paralympic sports such as acoustic shooting, boccia, kwik cricket and judo.”

The Youth Arts Centre will offer children the chance to take part in a dance boot camp, writing workshops and improvisation sessions. Children can experience the fun of staging an entire musical theatre production in a week or make music with Soundcheck, the Youth Service’s young bands project.

Aaron said: ‘The programme offers something for everyone this summer, but places fill up fast so parents are encouraged to apply quickly.’

The programme can be viewed by visiting www.gov.im and clicking on ‘leisure and entertainment’ and then ‘National Sports Centre’.

All children are receiving copies of the programme via schools.