Sponsors ask for restoration of sports excellence programme

Sponsors of the Isle of Man Sporting Excellence Programme are looking to help replace the provision.

It was set up with Kelly Holmes Education to deliver support and encouragement and help local athletes prepare for international sporting events.

Since Dame Kelly announced that she would be spending more time on new endeavours, the initiative has fallen to Isle of Man Sport.

SMP Partners have been talking to the organisation - asking it to take the lead on forming a suitable return for it in the near future.

Managing director Mark Denton says he's still willing to offer some sponsorship: