Former international rugby player Gavin Hastings OBE will be the guest of honour at the Manx Youth Games.

The games have been supported by HSBC since their inception and the bank is bringing the well-known sportsman to the Island to celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary.

Run by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR), the games take place on Saturday 7th May and will see pupils from primary and secondary schools take part in 13 sports, representing their regions.

Gavin – who achieved 61 caps for Scotland and six for the British and Irish Lions – will be at the games’ opening ceremony at the National Sports Centre (NSC).

The previous day he will help run a training session and answer questions for up and coming young rugby players who discovered the sport through the games.

Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager, HSBC Isle of Man, commented: ‘HSBC is delighted to continue its support of the Manx Youth Games through its community investment programme. We are very proud to be part of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary.

'Since the start of the games in 2002, we have seen thousands of young people take part in many different sports and the success stories are amazing. Some have even gone on to be very successful at both national and international level.

‘The commitment and dedication of all the sports’ coordinators, coaches and volunteers who are involved in making this such a worthwhile initiative, is outstanding. It is a privilege for HSBC to be involved with the games and help with the continued community development on the Island.’

Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children – who is responsible for sport – said: ‘The games are one of the highlights of the school year and HSBC’s support has been invaluable since their inception.

‘The games allow children to participate in sport for fun and hopefully inspire them to stay involved in sport, whether as a hobby or competitively, with the resulting benefits to their health and wellbeing.

‘Having Gavin, who reached the pinnacle of his sport, with us will give the 15th anniversary games an added sparkle.’

The Minister also praised the many people who had contributed to ensuring the games would go on despite the NSC being badly damaged by flooding in December.

‘With many of our facilities out of use, it has been a real team effort between MSR staff, other venues and many volunteers to ensure the games take place,’ he said.

The games’ first ever mascot will also be unveiled at the event. Odin the Raven was chosen from hundreds of designs submitted by primary pupils in a competition. It was designed by Grace Cooper, eight, a pupil at St Mary’s RC Primary School.

The mascot will take part in the opening ceremony, at which participants parade into the NSC and take part in a warm-up before dispersing to venues.

Photo - Gavin Hastings OBE