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The Island Games is helping drive sport forward by creating a legacy that spans the generations, says GIGA Chairman, Brian Allen.
There are 96 days to go until the island hosts the event which will attract 3,000 visiting athletes, support staff and officials.
Guernsey Island Games Association chairman Brian Allen has been to nine Island Games.
“I think the idea of getting a couple of thousand people together, all of like a mind, all working for sport, for competition, for friendship, it's wonderful. And the diversity we've got from all the different islands. It's amazing when we meet up with people from Scandinavia, from the Caribbean, from the Mediterranean, it's so different.”
Guernsey last hosted the Games in 2003.
“Looking back, the island’s population got involved, they attended the opening ceremony, they went to all the sports and we’re hoping for the same. We want Guernsey to be part of the Games. That opening ceremony will be a carnival type atmosphere, like we do with Liberation Day, on the whole seafront, it will be great.
“We’re sure the island will come out in strength. We've got 14 sports, free of charge, being played to a really high standard. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there.”
The broad timetable for the Natwest International Island Games was released last week.
100 days to go!! We can’t wait to see you all. The schedule of events is out today with more detail to come soon. This’ll give you a good idea of what’s on when though. #Guernsey2023 #TeamGuernsey pic.twitter.com/iCJQoX8zTd
— GIGA (@guernseyiga) March 30, 2023
Mr Allen said that the event has created a legacy.
“It's a really high standard, but it's for what I would call the normal sort of person, the person that is a semi-professional who's working hard in a job, but loves sport. That's what we get as a legacy from it. It's that aim every two years to compete at this level against other islands, and a competition with a couple of thousand people.”
The event is now at the stage where the children of competitors that have taken part in the past are competing.
It has also been providing inspiration for school children to get active as organisers go around the Primary Schools promoting the event.
“It's the coaches as well, the Island Games gives the sport that drive to keep going forward. We've got volunteers working hard to get a team together. We've also got volunteers running the actual competition. So it's a huge number of people that are out there working so hard for this Island Games.”
On the weekend training continued for those volunteers.
#Guernsey2023 is on track to make a lasting impact
— Guernsey2023 (@Guernsey_2023) April 1, 2023
Today hundreds of volunteers are being trained in CPR, first response, customer service & diversity, and how to be a great Ambassador pic.twitter.com/RjbuBZF7Lc
The Island Games takes place from Saturday 8 July until Friday 14 July.
Bailiwick Express will be bringing unrivaled coverage in the build-up to, during and after the Natwest International Island Games. Sign up to our newsletter to follow all the developments.
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