Keep your fingers crossed that the ash cloud doesn’t put a spanner in the works for all those planning to take part in the World Island Youth Games next week.
Team Isle of Wight is preparing to head off to The Azores in Portugal with talented young sports people representing the Island in swimming, sailing and athletics between 26th to 30th May.
There’ll be 19 teams in total competing from Islands around the globe, making it the seventh year for the Isle of Wight taking part.
Isle of Wight Council’s Community Development Manager Lee Matthews is the team’s manager and is hoping to do the Island proud.
He said “With the Isle of Wight 2011 NatWest Island Games coming up next year, the World Island Youth Games represents a great opportunity for our athletes to show what they can do in the sporting arena while also being ambassadors for the Isle of Wight.
“I know they will be doing their best too bring medals home, but importantly this will give the youngsters the valuable experience of taking part in top level competitions.
Leader of Isle of Wight Council David Pugh said “I wish the team the very best of luck in The Azores. Fingers crossed there won’t be any flight disruption with the recent ash cloud problems but I am sure everyone taking part will have a great time.
“When you consider some of the islands the Isle of Wight will be competing against have populations running into the millions, it is credit to the athletes that we have been successful in the competition in recent years.”
Tip of the hat to the Youth Opportunities Fund and Wightlink for their sponsorship.
Image: Team Isle of Wight at last year’s Games in Majorca © Isle of Wight Council
