Latest News (July 2000)
Prince Charles switches on the Games Countdown clock
Taking advantage of Prince Charles' visit to the Isle of Man to preside at
the annual Tynwald Day ceremony on July 5th the organising committee
managed to arrange for HRH to unveil our Games Countdown Clock at Ronaldsway
Airport just before his departure. Sports Co-ordinators, athletes, politicians,
and members of the committee gathered at the airport to talk to the Prince and
to see him carry out the launch in style. Other Countdown Clocks are set up at
the Sea Terminal and on the main shopping street in Douglas. A clear indication
that the 2001 Games are now less than a year away!
Preview visit of IIGA Executive and representatives of member islands
We've just enjoyed a hectic but invaluable week entertaining some 40
guests from member islands far and wide. The week was blessed by some excellent
sunny weather (just what we want for next July!) and our visitors took the
opportunity to tour the island, visiting the venues for the 15 sports, checking
facilities, firming up arrangements for accommodation and transport and meeting
our sports co-ordinators and members of the organising committee.
The one hiccup of the week was when the coach taking the party of IIGA representatives around the venues became wedged at the tight S-bend leading down to the clay pigeon shooting venue at Blue Point. It was stuck for nearly 2 hours before being towed out by a tractor!
AGM of the International Island Games Association
The IIGA annual general meeting held on July 16th was attended by
over 40 delegates representing 15 of the member islands. This was a record
attendance for an AGM in a non-Games year and was the result of an invitation to
the islands from the Isle of Man's 2001 NatWest Island Games organising
committee.
After the meeting informal discussions were held in groups about the number and nature of sports to be included in future Games. Alan Cross, IIGA Chairman, said, 'The IGA is very conscious that the increasing popularity of the Games - the projected number of competitors for 2001 stands at 2,500 - puts increasing pressure, both practical and financial, on islands who wish to host the event. We are concerned that the Games do not grow so large that it would preclude some of the smaller islands from hosting the Games in the future. The concept of the 'Friendly Games' is one that we do not want to lose'.
IGA Website launched
During the week the IGA launched their website, www.islandgames.net which gives
information about the role of the IGA, the history of the Games etc. It also
gives details of the NatWest Island Games Coaching Fund and it is of course
linked to our website.
Shetlands to bid for 2005 Games
Delegates learned that Shetland has notified the IGA of their intention to
bid to host the NatWest Games in 2005. This will be voted on at the next AGM
here in the Isle of Man next July.
'Great Facilities for 2001 Games' (Alan Cross)
'The sporting facilities in the Isle of Man will be the envy of many other
member islands' said IIGA Chairman, Alan Cross 'The National Sports Centre
will be the focus of the Games and has a superb range of facilities. I am sure
this will encourage a high standard of competition as well as creating a
friendly and welcoming atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike'.
John Christal (2001 Results Co-ordinator)
If you have any views or comments about this site lets us know by clicking here.