News in from organisers of the NatWest Island Games, in their own words. Ed
The Island Games Association (IW) is delighted to announce that Lord Coe will officially open the NatWest Island Games 2011 which are being held on the Isle of Wight on Saturday 25 June – Friday 1 July.
Lord Coe has supported the Games since 2006 when the bid for the Isle of Wight to host the Games was being prepared. Following an approach by David Ball, Chairman of the Island Games Association (IW), a video message was recorded and used as part of the presentation during the bidding process.
“Elated for the Games as a whole”
David Ball, Chairman of the Island Games Association (IW) said “I am absolutely elated for the Games as a whole and as an entity to have support from this world renowned figure. Lord Coe was very supportive when we were preparing the bid and his presence at the Opening Ceremony in June will be a tremendous boost to everyone involved.”
George Brown, IW Council cabinet member responsible for economy, tourism, leisure, planning and property, said: “The presence of Lord Coe underlines what a prestigious event the Games is and why the council is delighted to support it. We are sure Lord Coe’s presence will inspire all participants before, during and after the Games.”
Inspirational athlete
Lord Coe is an inspirational athlete. He has won four Olympic medals, including the 1500 metres gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1980 and 1984, and set eight outdoor and three indoor world records in middle distance track events (and also participated in a world record relay). In 2007, he was also elected a vice-president of the International Association of Athletics Federations.
An Arts Council grant of £94,099 funded by the National Lottery has been awarded for a spectacular Opening Ceremony Parade which will take place in Ryde on Saturday 25 June prior to the Official Opening, and will involve the athletes and 1500 young people in a carnival style extravaganza.
24 Islands taking part
Over 3000 athletes and officials from 24 islands around the world will be attending the NatWest Island Games, to compete in a range of 14 sports over six days.
The Isle of Wight Team, sponsored by Wightlink, consists of 249 athletes and includes Darren Mew, Swimming, World Championship bronze medallist (1999, 2000), Commonwealth games silver medallist (1998, 2006) and Olympic finalist (2000, 2004), Richard Wilson, Shooting, Commonwealth Silver (2010), NatWest Island Games 2011
Andy Frost, Hammer, Commonwealth 4th (2006, 2010) and Kieran Page, Cycling, Commonwealth Games Finalist (2002) will be competing as part of the Isle of Wight Team. Kelly Sotherton Olympic Bronze Medallist (2004) and Olympic 4th (2008), is also hoping to compete as part of the Isle of Wight Team.
For more information about the NatWest Island Games visit the website
