New faces for Guernsey Island Games Association board

Thursday 18 January 2024

It has been a time for change at The Guernsey Island Games Association as it prepares for next year’s event in Orkney.

New faces will make up the board of directors.

Brian Allen has stepped down as Chairman after ten years and is replaced by Jon Marley, who has been the Team Manager for the past 16 years.

Pictured: Brian Allen has stepped down as GIGA Chairman after a decade in the role. 

Karen Archenoul is the new Team Manager after working in various roles on the Board over the last eight years. 

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this job,” she said.

“Although we’ve got a relatively quiet 2024 there's a lot of work to be done as we prepare to take the Team to Orkney next summer. 

“Two of us will visit the island for the International Island Games Association AGM this coming July where we will get the chance to see the accommodation options and sports venues and be able to feedback the information to our sports.” 

Pictured: New GIGA Team Manager Karen Archenoul.

The Orkney Games take place from 12 to 18 July.

Rick Denton also left his role as Treasurer after eight years on the Board.

As part of his succession-planning, Denton spent time over the last couple of years showing Matt Bowen the ropes. 

The two new additions to the Board are Jane Le Tissier and Sue Naftel. 

Le Tissier said she’s “happy to have been appointed to the Board having been on many committees and played numerous sports over the years, although I’ve never competed at an Island Games".

She is hoping that will help her bring a different viewpoint to the role. 

Naftel said she is “delighted to join the Board and I hope to be able to put my years of experience with the Badminton Association to good use".

She has been the Tournament Director for Badminton at a number of Island Games including her home games in Guernsey last summer. 

Pictured: Jon Marley, who has stepped up to be Chairman of GIGA.

Marley said: “Thanks to Brian and Rick for their many years of service and invaluable support for the Board but also for Team Guernsey. 

“They’re certainly leaving on a high after the incredible success of hosting the Games in Guernsey last summer. I’m honoured to be the new Chairman after 16 years as Team Manager. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the new Board as we prepare for the Games in Orkney next year and I’d like to welcome Jane and Sue to the team. We’ve got lots to look forward to as we get Team Guernsey ready for their next Games.”

There are seven Directors. Chris Jackson continues as Secretary and Isla Wright as Media Liaison. 

At the AGM, Kathy Stuart was made an Honorary Life Member of GIGA for her incredible contribution to the Island Games in a variety of capacities.

“Kathy stepped down as Secretary from GIGA in 2019 to help organise the Guernsey Games last year,” said Marley.

“She’s told us she’s looking forward to the chance to be a supporter now and we’ll be delighted to see her in Orkney.”

GIGA also congratulated Guernsey 2023 Games Director Julia Bowditch on her recent MBE for Services to Sport.

Pictured top: Team Guernsey gathered ahead of the 2023 Games. Picture by Chris George.