Game On in Jersey
Preparations for the NatWest Island Games XVI - Jersey 2015 are well in hand under the leadership of Phil Austin, Chairman of the Organising Committee. The Executive Committee of the International Island Games Association recently held its annual spring meeting in Jersey which included a tour the sporting venues and meetings with the Organising Committee.
It is fair to say that Jersey as a Host is ready for the Games. A few venues still need refurbishment but this will take place during the coming year. The States of Jersey, whose representatives we met, is fully behind the project and has guaranteed the necessary financial support. The forecast is that we are looking at the largest NatWest Island Games so far with perhaps a total of 4.000 people attending the Games, including competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators. That is a challenge and an opportunity.
The next step in the build-up is the Annual General Meeting which will take place in Jersey on the 28th June, during the Games Pre-View Visit by the Member Islands. The NatWest Island Games in Jersey will probably be the largest multi-sport event in Great Britain next year. This will bring added attention to our Games from a larger audience than ever. The IIGA has developed sport within our Member Islands since 1985. Jersey will be of great assistance in this endeavour, as will Gotland who are preparing to host the Games in 2017!
Game On!
Jorgen Pettersson
Chairman
