Skanco Business Systems is again supporting the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association as the selection process for the 2018 games in Gold Coast, Australia, gets started.

The IT Company based on Cooil Road, Douglas, has renewed its sponsorship as a ‘Team Champion’, following the success of the programme for the 2014 games in Glasgow.

The initiative, which raises vital funds to enable athletes to travel to the games, gives local businesses the opportunity to partner with the Commonwealth Games Association.

As Team Champions in 2014, Skanco opened up the opportunity to all of its members of staff to get involved with the different teams and athletes heading to Glasgow where possible. Coaching sessions were arranged whereby Skanco staff enjoyed boxing and shooting with the teams and Skanco’s budding triathletes enjoyed a coaching session by a member of the triathlon team. To encourage staff engagement Skanco will be arranging a similar event again.

The ongoing support was confirmed when Skanco’s Business Development Manager, Dee McLoughlin, met runner Keith Gerrard. Keith was one of the athletes who competed in the Glasgow games, contesting the 10,000 metres event, and won two gold medals at the Island Games in 2011.

Dee commented: ‘Getting behind local sport is something Skanco has felt very passionate about over the 30 years we have been in business. Whether it’s our own staff who are part of a local team, or young budding athletes who approach us for help, it matches our company ethos of constant learning, training and development. When asked again to be team champions for the 2018 games Skanco jumped at the chance - what an honour to be involved at this level of sport.’

Keith added: ‘Having previously competed in the Commonwealth Games I can attest to what a wonderful experience it is; being there in 2014 really was one of my sporting career highlights. All funding, whether that be for individual athletes, specific sports or for the CGA, is so vital and without the support of the Team Champions we wouldn’t be able to represent the Island internationally.’

For more information about becoming a Team Champion, contact Juliet Holt: juliet.cgaiom@gmail.com

Image: (left to right) Skanco’s Dee McLoughlin, athlete Keith Gerrard and Commonwealth Games Association Vice President Basil Bielich

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