Youngsters have been inspired by four sports stars at a workshop.

More than 30 of them attended St Ninian’s Lower School for an Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy event.

The session was an opportunity for the athletes to review their progress, with parents, coaches and mentors, since joining the academy in September 2017, and look forward to both the remainder of the programme and future plans.

Three former Sport Aid recipients attended, including professional cyclist and former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Mark Christian, former professional cyclist and seven-times Commonwealth Games rider Andrew Roche and former Paralympic medallist in both swimming and cycling, Ian Sharpe, alongside a number of current recipients.

Athletes also heard a recorded message of good luck from professional rugby player Phil Cringle.

Isle of Man Sport Aid Sports performance coordinator Chris Quine said: ’We were keen to demonstrate to the athletes that being part of the academy is something to be proud of and remind them that there are local people doing great things in sport.

’Our aspiring stars thoroughly enjoyed hearing from Mark, Andrew and Ian, three talented athletes who have a wealth of experience between them and many life lessons to share with the academy. It was great to have them there to answer questions and show where hard work and commitment can get you.’

Since the launch of the programme, more than 150 young sportspeople have attended workshops and heard from experts on a range of topics including ’commitment to excellence’, ’resilience, determination and persistence’, ’respect’, ’discipline and self-regulation’, ’nutrition’ and ’rest and recovery’.

The academy is backed by independent trust and corporate services provider SMP Partners and eGaming firm Newfield.

Mark Denton, managing director of SMP Partners, added: ’The academy continues to go from strength-to-strength with the enthusiasm and energy of the young athletes clear to see. It is so encouraging to see some of the participants from year one continuing their development alongside a new group of young athletes who are just starting their journey.

’The concept prepares the youngsters for their sport and also gives them important skills, such as self-discipline, determination and commitment to excellence, which they can use in their life whatever path they choose.’

Mark Reynolds, a director of Newfield, added: ’The academy is a valuable way of helping the Isle of Man’s future sports stars progress towards achieving their maximum potential. Over the last few years, athletes from over 20 different sports aged between 13 and 17 have benefited from expert help and advice.

’To see so many young people so engaged and ready to learn has been highly rewarding and all the athletes and parents have bought into this commitment to excellence. It’s also nice for them to get the opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come over the past 15 months and look ahead at what’s to come. ’