Wednesday 21 June 2023
NatWest International Island Games 2023
Sir
It was seven years ago, almost to the day, when a near-unanimous "pour" from this room secured Guernsey's hosting of the 19 th Edition of the NatWest International Island Games and I am proud to stand here today, with less than three weeks to go, and say "Guernsey Is Ready".
The Island Games were born in the Isle of Man in 1985 and saw athletes from as far afield as Iceland and Scandinavia in the northern hemisphere down to St. Helena in the South Atlantic taking part. The staging of the event, usually every two years, provides excellent opportunities for Islanders from around the World to raise their standards in sport through competition at an international level, while at the same time creating friendly relations with fellow Islanders from around the World. Prior to the Games being established, such opportunities were limited to the few whose talents allowed them to take part in Commonwealth or Olympic Games.
Guernsey has a proud tradition of support for the Island Games, both as a competitor and as a host. Next month, we will be the first Island to host the Games for a third time, having done so in 1987, and again in 2003. At the last Games in Gibraltar in 2019, Guernsey finished fourth on the medal table, with an impressive total of 19 gold medals, 37 silver medals and 31 bronze medals. I am sure that such success will be matched this year, if not bettered, with the incredible level of support for our local athletes that we are currently witnessing from the community.
The support of the community is paramount to the success of the Games, and we could not have asked for more. Over 1,200 volunteers signed up to support the Games and they have been working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place for July 8 th. This includes a large number of committed sports administrators, officials and coaches who have taken on additional roles to ensure that we can experience the best level of competition in July. For others, this is their first experience of volunteering, and we are working hard to ensure that we can inspire them to carry on after the Games, having witnessed the results of their valued contributions.
Those Islands fortunate enough to host the Games see so many positive effects, from inspiring interest in sport and physical activity and supporting sports development and performance; to promoting the Island on the World stage and encouraging community spirit. In essence, the hosting of the Island Games brings the community together for a common cause - whether as a volunteer, spectator, or competitor - providing a great sense of Island pride in the lead up to, during, and after each Games - this is an effect that will outlive the week-long competition next month.
Previous Games have played a significant role in providing the necessary encouragement for talented individuals to develop further and represent their Island at the Commonwealth Games and in many other national and international competitive arenas. There has already been increased awareness of the 14 sports involved in next month's Games, and they will continue to build on this. To ensure that the Games are as accessible as possible, the sporting events are free and open to all, providing much opportunity for Islanders to become inspired by the talent that will be on display. Guernsey 2023 will also be the most connected Games ever, thanks to the support of the Games' Technology partner, who has worked to upgrade connectivity across every Games venue. Many sports will be livestreamed through the Games website, and new software will provide an up-to-the-minute results service showing results just in, rolling results, medal winners, and the medal table.
I highlighted the education and cultural enrichment programmes last month, enabling the Island communities involved to stimulate lasting creative legacies alongside the sporting programme. The School Resource Pack, the Poetry Open, the Digital Arts Open and the Postcard competition have all been very well received and will culminate in booklets, an exhibition at the George Crossan Gallery, displays on screens in some of the sports venues, and will be shared digitally with the participating Islands.
With around 3,000 visitors arriving in support of the Games, we can look forward to showing our Island, and our Island-hospitality, at its best. 150 media representatives from those competing Islands around the World will be joining our local media representatives, providing a wonderful international showcase platform.
I am pleased to report that delivery is on budget, with the States contribution of £850,000 primarily from Lottery proceeds, making up around one-third of the overall budget. The remainder being funded through ten generous lead sponsors, and supplemented by a significant value of services provided in kind, for which we are incredibly grateful.
Sir, I cannot possibly look to thank everyone today individually who has helped to ensure that Guernsey is ready to host the Games in July, but there is one person who I must single out for our public recognition. Inspiring Islanders is the "tag line" for this year's Games and she certainly has done that. Dame Mary Perkins.... Dame Mary agreed to Chair the Organising Committee for the 2021 Island Games back in 2015 - little did she know that it would be some 8 years before her ambition could be realised. Her ability to draw together some of Guernsey's leading Sports, logistics, travel, medical, finance, communications, IT and legal professionals into an incredible Organising Committee, and inspire them to deliver what I am confident will retain Guernsey's "Best Ever Games" title, is quite simply remarkable. Her unwavering enthusiasm, energy and personal commitment has been the inspiration behind everything that has been achieved so far, and I convey our thanks to her most sincerely .and also to the hard working and passionate team that she has so ably led.
I must also mention the Guernsey Island Games Association, led by Brian Allen and his wonderful team of staunch Team Guernsey fans who have supported our Competitors over the years through various Island Games fixtures worldwide.
With 1,200 fully signed up volunteers giving up their time to support the Games, not only set to serve during the week, but having undergone much training over the months, it would be remiss not to thank this group of enthusiastic and generous islanders.
Finally, I wish to thank the Competitors without whom this Games would not be possible. They will continue to train to the last minute and it is clear from meeting and talking to them that they are hugely committed and passionate to succeed in their chosen discipline. We are blessed with the breadth and depth of talent of these sports men and women, as well as their determination to win!
So, in closing, through you Sir, I would like to wish the very best to our own 2023 Team Guernsey, and to encourage Islanders to experience as much of this international level sporting event as they can. Go Team Guernsey!