Schoolchildren are being invited to design and name a mascot with a local theme for the Manx Youth Games.

Pupils in school years two to 11 can enter a competition being run by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR).

More than 1,000 children from throughout the Island take part in the Manx Youth Games, held every May.

The Isle of Man Government’s Strategy for Sport 2014-2024 highlights the importance of being fit and active from an early age.

Gianni Epifani, Senior Sport Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘2016 sees the 15th anniversary of the Games, which have gone from strength to strength and are one of the highlights of the school calendar.

‘To celebrate this milestone, we are inviting pupils to design a mascot with a local theme and come up with a name for it that has a local flavour.

‘The mascot should epitomise the fun spirit of the Games.’

Schools have entry forms on which pupils can submit designs. Alternatively, forms can be downloaded from www.gov.im/categories/leisure-and-entertainment/manx-youth-games/ or designs can be sent on A4 paper to Gianni.Epifani@gov.im or by post to MYG Mascot, National Sports Centre, Groves Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 1RB.

The closing date for entries is Monday 11th January. The winning design will be announced at the launch of the 2016 Games on Monday 18th January and the mascot will make its first appearance at the Games on Saturday 7th May.

The winning designer’s school will receive sports equipment worth ?200.

HSBC Bank Isle of Man has supported the Games since they started.

Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager, HSBC Isle of Man, said: ‘HSBC is delighted to continue its involvement with this wonderful event. Being part of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary and involving schoolchildren in designing a mascot to represent the games is a terrific way to encourage children to take part and get active.’

Photo- The 2015 Games.