Manx Telecom's Sam Moran with the Queen's Baton ©IOMCGA

Two sponsors have been announced for Team Isle of Man in the lead-up to next year's Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

They are leading global payments provider Paysafe and Manx Telecom.

Mike Hewison, finance director, merchant services at Paysafe, said: "We’re delighted to be supporting our local athletes on an international stage. 

"Given that the 2014 team outperformed the home nations in the medal table per head of population at the Glasgow Games we have high expectations for 2018.

"While Paysafe is a global business with operations around the world, the Isle of Man is our home and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of the team’s journey towards Australia."

President of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association Basil Bielich said: "Without the generous support of our Team Champions we wouldn’t be able to represent the island at this international level. 

"The Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association has to raise more than £100,000 ($134,000/€113,000) to get Team Isle of Man to the Games in Australia and we are extremely grateful for the contributions and ongoing support of Paysafe and our other Team Champions."

Paysafe and Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association representatives at the announcement of the sponsorship deal which will help preparations for Gold Coast 2018 ©IOMCGA
Paysafe and Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association representatives at the announcement of the sponsorship deal which will help preparations for Gold Coast 2018 ©IOMCGA

Based in the Manx capital, Douglas, Paysafe provides end-to-end payment solutions through its payment processing, digital wallets and online cash solutions. 

The company offers 200 payment types in more than 40 currencies around the world.

Meanwhile, Manx Telecom confirmed that it would also be providing sponsorship and that its online news service, MTTV, would be with the team to cover Gold Coast 2018. 

The sponsorship was announced while the Queen’s Baton Relay visited Manx Telecom’s shop on Strand Street in Douglas.

The company also sponsors many local sports events, including the Parish Walk, Tough Mann, End to End Mountain Bike Challenge and Team Manx Telecom Road Cycling Club.

Manx Telecom’s chief executive Gary Lamb said: "We’re excited to be a sponsor of Team Isle of Man as they represent the Island on the international stage at the 2018 Games in Australia. 

"Our island has a fantastic sporting culture which Manx Telecom is proud to be a part of. 

"We’re really pleased to be able to help the Association with key funding in the run up to the event and through sharing the stories and successes from the games via MTTV."

Other Team Champions are Auxesia, EscapetheRock.im and SMP Partners.