Island Games
The Island Games take place every two years. The Games were last held on Åland in 2009 and the Isle of Wight will host the 2011 NatWest Island Games XIV, and then Jersey in 2015. During the Games, competitors from each island come together to participate in a range of sports.
The Island Games have high sporting ideals and foster friendship between the member Islands.
Since the first Island Games in 1985, which were held in the Isle of Man, they have been held every two years. The Island Games have grown in popularity and in stature.
Jersey was at the inaugural Inter Island Games (now known as the NatWest Island Games) held in 1985 in the Isle of Man, embracing the 15 Islands which came together for an international festival of sport. Since that time, Jersey has attended every Games which are held every two years. The popularity of the Games continues to grow, with the membership now at the limit of 25 Islands.
Jersey sportsmen and women have been committed and competitive in all the Games. However, our philosophy is not focused on medals but on the individuals and teams representing their Island and performing to the best of their personal ability within the spirit of sportsmanship, competitiveness and fairplay.
Island Games 2009
The NatWest Island Games 2009 were held in Åland, an autonomous Swedish region in Finland with its own flag, stamps, licence plates and its own top domain; much like Jersey.
There is a population of 26,700, with approximately 10,800 living in the only town in Åland, Mariehamn. The town was founded in 1861 and is the centre for industry and politics. The Åland Government, "Landskapsregering", is located here, and the region has been self-governed since 1921. They joined the EU in 1995, and adopted the Euro (€) in 2002.
|
|
|
|
Natwest Island Games 2009 logo |
2009 Island Games mascot
'Selina the Seal' |
100 competitiors from Jersey travelled to Åland to compete. Jersey won 88 medals in total placing them third on the overall medals table; 29 Gold, 30 Silver and 29 Bronze.
Links
Natwest Island Games 2009
Aland Results 2009
Island Games Association of Jersey
Island Games Jersey 2015
Jersey is making a bid to host the Island Games in 2015. Find out how to get involved at:
www.jersey2015.com
BBC.co.uk - Jersey to host 2015 Island Games (June 27, 2010)
