Children got a taste of badminton yesterday (Thursday) as 18 schools took part in the latest event in the Sure Sports Primary School Programme.

More than 240 pupils in years 4, 5 and 6 competed in the badminton festival hosted by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) at the NSC, Douglas.

In preparation for the event, schools ran after-school clubs or sent pupils to MSR practice sessions, held at secondary schools and delivered by club coaches and qualified badminton leaders.

The winners were Ballacottier Buzzards, from Ballacottier Primary School, with the school’s separate girls’ and boys’ teams also winning those competitions.

‘This was a fantastic display from the children, most of whom who have not played the game before,’ said Kerry Quayle, Badminton Development Officer with MSR.

‘Through our Strategy for Sport, we encourage children to get involved in sport from an early age as this will stand them in good stead, and help them avoid problems associated with inactivity, later in life.

‘We have given the children information about how they can stay involved in badminton and join a community club if they wish to.’

Kerry said the event could not have gone ahead without the assistance of young coaches who trained on the Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme.

Badminton is one of six sports in the Sure Primary programme, which runs throughout the school year and encourages thousands of primary pupils to get active.

Hockey and netball festivals are next up in March 2016.

Sarah Jarvis, Marketing and PR Manager for Sure Isle of Man, said: ‘As ever, this festival was superbly well-organised by MSR and it was great to see children learning a new sport. There is always such a buzz in the sports hall: the youngsters are well supported by their parents and teachers at their schools, which is excellent. I am proud that we at Sure support this amazing programme, as it fosters a real sense of community and achievement.’

Image - Ballacottier Buzzards with Paul Cowell from sponsor Sure Isle of Man.