Bursaries for two Island Games teams

Thursday 20 June 2019

Two more Guernsey Island Games Association sports teams are set to benefit from Utmost Worldwide's bursary scheme.

Since last year, bursaries have been granted on a rotational basis, meaning each of the 18 teams will benefit from the funding twice during the company's ten-year sponsorship.

The next to receive support are basketball and table tennis teams, which have been using the funds to prepare for future events.

The Guernsey basketball team used its bursary money to bring over professional referees from the UK for the inter-insular weekend. During their three-day visit, they provided valuable insight and spent some time coaching the local referees.

"We are all very grateful to Utmost for giving us the bursary this year," said President of the team, Patrick Ogier. "It was perfect timing as we were able to bring over some referees who are the best in their field to prepare us for the games. The team is in great form, having just won the inter-insulars under the watchful eye of the UK referees."

Guernsey table tennis will be joining the roster at the Gibraltar Island Games for the 16th time since the games began.

The team is planning to use its bursary to fly over a coach to run two training camps for potential players in the 2021 Island Games, which will be hosted in Guernsey. It is hoped the coach will also be able to run a camp for up and coming junior players.

Guernsey Table Tennis Association President, Derek Webb added: "It is fantastic to receive these funds and the players are all incredibly thankful. We're keen to ensure that it is used to benefit all of our players."

Each of the sports that have received funding so far have used the money in a number of different ways, including purchasing new kit and equipment and taking teams away for competitions.

"We are always delighted to see how our sponsorship benefits local athletes and promotes sport across the island," said Utmost World's Chief Executive Officer in Guernsey, Giorgia Daboni. "Sport is a big part of the island's community so it is a pleasure to be able to help foster that within these 18 sports. It leaves a genuine legacy, with many of the teams using the money to benefit their juniors as well as their potential Island Games team members."

Chairman of the Guernsey Island Games, Brian Allen added: "It is fantastic that the bursaries are now being awarded on a rotational basis so that they'll all benefit twice, regardless of whether their sport is in that year's upcoming games or not.

"As always, we must say a massive thank you to Utmost Worldwide as their sponsorship not only helps get teams to the Games but also provides the sports with invaluable knowledge and memories while nurturing sport in the island."

This year's Island Games will see Guernsey teams compete in Gibraltar from 6 July.

Pictured top: John Marley, Tony Mealing, members of the Guernsey Basketball and Table Tennis teams, Giorgio Daboni and Brian Allen.