Zurich International Life has been confirmed as the new headline sponsor of one of the biggest athletics events in the Island’s sporting calendar.

The insurance company is putting its name to the Zurich Isle of Man Track and Field Championship which this year will take place over the weekend of 23 and 24 July at the NSC in Douglas.

The championship is widely acknowledged as one of the highlights in the Island’s athletics calendar, and sees hundreds of athletes, aged between seven to 67, competing in all athletic disciplines from 75m sprints for the youngest competitors, to mid-distance and throwing events. In addition to bronze, silver and gold medals in each category, a Victor or Victrix Ludorum trophy is awarded to the best athlete in each age group over the weekend.

Glen Hamilton, Chairman of the Isle of Man Athletics Association, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Zurich on board as our sponsor for the 2016 Track and Field Championship in what is an exciting new chapter for the event. With Zurich’s support we hope to make this a memorable weekend for all involved. It is fantastic for Isle of Man Athletics to be in partnership with a company with such a global presence.”

Zurich’s Communications Manager, Merita Taylor, added: “The Zurich Isle of Man Track and Field Championship is one of the most popular sporting events on the Island and really encourages those youngsters who are beginning their athletics careers to start competing locally, as well as being a hotly-contested event for the more established local athletes. Zurich is delighted to be working with the Isle of Man Athletics Association to stage the Track and Field Championship, and is very excited about this new partnership.”

Entries for the Zurich Isle of Man Track and Field Championship close on Sunday 10 July. For further information about the event and details of how to enter, please visit the Isle of Man Athletics Association website.

Photo - (centre L-R) Glen Hamilton, Chairman of the IOM Athletics Association, and Zurich’s Communications Manager, Merita Taylor, with some of the athletes who will be competing in the Zurich Track and Field Championships in July.