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“Spiritual home” of the Island Games announces its chosen sports for 2029

“Spiritual home” of the Island Games announces its chosen sports for 2029

Thursday 16 May 2024

“Spiritual home” of the Island Games announces its chosen sports for 2029

Thursday 16 May 2024


The Isle of Man has announced the sports that will make up the 2029 Island Games.

It is expected that the International Island Games Association will confirm the island as the official host in July, having already made it their preferred bidder.

The Isle of Man hosted the first Games in 1985 and if successful, the Manx Games could attract 4,000 people from 23 islands and its government says generate around £3.5m.

As part of the process, the Isle of Man’s Organising Committee was required to select the sports that will make up the Games. 

Their decision was based on criteria including the number of female competitors, environmental impact and cost. 

In a drive to deliver a sustainable Games, the majority of sports will be contested in and around Douglas.

The 14 selected sports are: archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, football,  golf, gymnastics, squash, swimming, table-tennis, tennis, triathlon and volleyball.

The Isle of Man Government has already pledged to improve some sports facilities, including the athletics track at the NSC, if the bid is confirmed.

Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: “We are very excited that the Games could return to its spiritual home, with the potential to see thousands of people flock to the island and compete in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

“There is no doubt that an Island Games on Manx soil would inspire the next generation to start a lifelong love of sport and all the advantages that brings to their health and well-being.”

The IIGA is expected to confirm the Manx bid at their AGM in Orkney in July.

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