Hopes that free events at Island Games will lead to uptake in sport

Thursday 29 June 2023

Exposing sport to a new audience will be one of the benefits of all the events at the Natwest International Island Games being free to attend, Games director Julia Bowditch has said.

Competitors from 24 islands will take part in 14 sports during Games week, with the sporting action beginning on Sunday 9 July.

All those events, and the opening ceremony the day before, are free to watch.

Venues are gearing up for the influx of fans by installing extra seating, while swimming will also be broadcast in the theater at Beau Sejour for those that can not find a spot poolside.

It is a chance for sports that sometimes fly under the radar to be exposed to a wider audience.

“That's one of the benefits of all the events being free of charge,” she said.

“So if you've never seen bowls, or you've never seen table tennis or shooting or anything like that, you've got the opportunity to go and just have a look and think, ‘Oh, actually, that is pretty interesting, maybe I'd like to sign up’.

“Or to see elite athletes cycle past your house. You've got the opportunity to wave your flags. 

“One thing we're really keen on is for people to show their support, not only for the Guernsey athletes, but for the athletes from the other islands.”

She is keen to deliver a Games that is well received by the athletes.

“But we also want to make sure that we leave an impact in terms  of uptake in sport and inspiring people to know that you don’t need to be an elite athlete to have a go.”

Listen to the full interview as part of Express’ 'Beyond the Games' podcast series, a daily insight into the Island Games proudly sponsored by SG Kleinwort Hambros Bank Limited, Jersey branch and Guernsey branch: