This in from Michelle at NatWest Island Games late last night. Ed
With only 100 days to go before the start of the NatWest Island Games, plans are really gathering at a pace with arrangements being finalised for the 14 sports which will be held at 30 venues across the Island.
To date, 3266 participants have registered from the 25 Islands including competitors, officials, VIPs and international journalists.
Island has biggest team so far
Final numbers and details will be known late April but so far, the biggest team after the Isle of Wight (262), is the Isle of Man (257) followed by Guernsey (254). The smallest team is St. Helena with a team of 11 followed by Sark with 13.
The Isle of Wight Team, sponsored by Wightlink, will be announced early May.
Football biggest game
Out of the 14 sports, the biggest competition in the Games will be the Football with 510 competitors (men and women”Ÿs teams) taking part, competing in over 60 football matches played over 6 days. Premiership Referees will also be involved in the competition programme.
The first Gold medal to be presented will be for the Cycling Criterium which will involve 62 competitors cycling round the town centre of Ventnor on the second day of the NatWest Island Games on Sunday 26 June.
Support from London Olympic Games Organising Committee
The Island Games Association has the support of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games who will be using the NatWest Island Games as a test bed for their officials involved in the Olympic programme. Support will be provided for athletics, basketball, cycling, target shooting, volleyball, sailing and windsurfing.
Get involved
Volunteers also play a crucial role in the NatWest Island Games and around 1000 will be involved in the Games week across a wide range of roles.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available across all sports at various levels. For details please contact [email protected].
Further details about the NatWest Island Games can be
found at www.natwestislandgames2011.co.uk or by telephoning the Games office on 01983 404841.
