Three-time UCI BMX World Champions and former Olympic cyclist Shanaze Reade will will officially launch this year’s HSBC Manx Youth Games next week.

The 31-year-old from Cheshire will be in the island on Monday, January 20 for the launch which takes place in the Isle of Man Sports Institute at the National Sports Centre from 6pm. In a remarkable career, Reade competed in two Olympic Games and won multiple world titles in both BMX and track cycling.

Speaking about her visit to the island, Shanaze said: ’It is such an honour to have been asked to launch this incredibly special and well-established sporting event in the Isle of Man.

’Sport of any kind is extremely beneficial for children and young people; not only is it great for physical health, but it’s taught me a lot about determination and perseverance.

’Above all, the Games are about having fun and I really look forward to meeting everyone involved at the launch.’

BMX will be included in the Games for the first time in 2020, alongside 14 other sports which will form the Isle of Man’s biggest multi-sport event of the year for children and young people.

Since its inception in 2002, more than 20,000 six to 16-year-olds have taken part in a variety of sports including basketball, crown green bowls and girls football, with many going on to join clubs and participate in community sport.

The event itself will be held on May 16 with training sessions beginning later this month.

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister of Education, Sport and Culture, said: ’The Games were developed to be a supportive and fun environment for children to explore and get involved in sports that may not always be available as part of the school curriculum.

’I’d like to thank HSBC for their support again this year and having a star like Shanaze involved will inspire the island’s young people.’

Jaime Amoedo, head of HSBC in the Isle of Man, said: ’Shanaze is a fantastic ambassador for British Cycling and she will be a real inspiration for our young islanders with BMX being included in the Games for the first time.

’HSBC has supported the Manx Youth Games since the event began in 2002 and we are thrilled to see it evolve into an even bigger event for 2020.

’The Games are a perfect celebration of the joy that playing together, working as a team, and trying something new can bring to children’s lives.’