SUPPORT FOR MANX SPORT STARS
11 April 2008 - Duke Marketing Ltd

Duke backing three of the Isle of Man’s most promising young sportspeople in 2008.

The international DVD publisher and distributor has confirmed Conor Cummins, Daniel Kneen and Christopher Nicholson will receive support from Duke through the Isle of Man Sports Council’s Manx Sport Aid Foundation.

The backing will help the trio to achieve their sporting ambitions this year.
Duke Managing Director Peter Duke said: ‘The Isle of Man has a strong sporting pedigree, and I am delighted Duke is able to do its part to support some of most promising up-and-coming sportspeople.’

‘Achieving the highest levels of success in your chosen sport needs sacrifice, determination, commitment and lots of support. In Conor, Chris and Dan the Sports Aid Foundation committee recognised the talent and drive to be the best, and Duke is only too pleased to play its part in helping them reach their goals.’

‘The level of success already achieved by these young men is frankly outstanding, but there is more to come and I am glad Duke can support them as they continue to strive to reach their full potential.’

Conor, of Ramsey, enjoyed an amazing 2007. In his first full season of road racing, the 21-year-old claimed four top 10 places at the Centenary TT, plus excellent results at high profile events like the Ulster Grand Prix, North West 200 and Macau. He also took the Irish National Senior Superbike and Supersport 600 championships, and beat competition from many of the best road racers in the world to claim the coveted Geoff Duke Trophy as winner of the Duke Road Race Rankings series.
For 2008 Conor will be back at the TT, take part in all the International Road Races and challenge for the British Superstock Championship.

Fulltime motorcycle racer Conor said backing is vital as he bids to become the best at his sport. He said: ‘It’s brilliant, it’s dead handy to get the support of the Sports Aid foundation and Duke. The support that’s provided is really helpful, especially if you get injured.’
‘
This year I want a podium at every International Road Race and achieve podium finishes in the British Superstock. I would love to win a TT, and if it all comes together I’m ready for it.’

Apprentice plumber Daniel is also a star on two wheels. The 20-year-old has already scored numerous podium finishes at races in the Isle of Man and UK, including a prestigious victory in the Southern 100 Senior Support Race.

In 2008 the Braddan man aims to contest the Junior Superstock Cup on short circuits around Britain. He said: ‘You cannot do it without sponsors, especially a sport like mine. It is very expensive and you have got to have support.’ ‘This year is more of a learning curve for me. If I get the results that would be good, and I’ll try my best.’

Continuing the two-wheel theme, the final of the three to receive backing from Duke is one of the Island’s most promising young cyclists. Douglas teenager Chris is a member of Team Scottish Provident and has been involved in the sport
for almost half his life. In 2007 he scored numerous excellent results in Manx, National and International competition, including the Kerry Youth Tour.

His rapidly improving form has seen him achieve full membership of the GB Olympic Talent Team, and be selected for the DHL Future Stars Series.
In 2008, the 15-year-old will contest many national events, including the National Circuit Race Series and National Track Series. He has set himself several goals for the year, including a top three finish in the Isle of Man Youth Tour, a top three placing in the National Circuit Race Championships, selection for the GB Team for the Assen Youth Tour and more.

Arguably his biggest ambition for the year is to be selected for the Olympic Development Programme, an important step towards his ultimate aim of becoming an Olympic medal winner. Chris said the backing of Duke and the Sports Aid Foundation is a huge help. He said: ‘There is a lot of cost involved, like travel, and you couldn’t do it without support.’

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