Latest News (September  2000)

Officical Launch of the IXth NatWest Island Games 2001
After completing his formal duties as the Queen' representative at this year's sitting of Tynwald on the 5th July.  His Royal Highness Prince Charles arrived at Ronaldsway Airport.  Prince Charles was formally introduced to members of the Organising Committee for 2001 - Eddie Lowey  M.L.C.  ( Chairman of the Leisure Division ), Brian Partington  ( Executive Chairman for 2001 )  and also Ian Jarrit  ( Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Bank ).
The event attracted a considerable number of media representatives both locally and from the U.K.  Some of the T.V. coverage will be used in next year's Games Video.  Hon. David Cretney M.H.K. welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Charles and invited him to unveil the countdown clock.  Over 200 people were assembled in the arrivals lounge at Ronaldsway Airport to watch Prince Charles perform the ceremony.
Prince Charles spent a considerable amount of time talking with the sportsmen and women present, he was formally introduced  by Team Managers Jill Gillings and Paul Craine to four of the Isle of Man team who competed in Gotland last year:
Diane Harrop, winner of 4 Gold medals for swimming in Gotland.
Martin Aram, High Jump Bronze medal winner age 15.
Chris Quine, medal winner in every Games in Athletics.
Lauren O'Neill, only aged 12 - the youngest competitor in Gotland last year.

International Island Games Association Reception
On Saturday 15th July 2000 the Department of Tourism and Leisure played host to the International Island Games Association at a Reception for the International Executive Committee and member Islands at the National Sports Centre in Douglas.
The reception was attended by over 200 people including 50 overseas I.G.A. delegates and was a spectacular success.
Guests were greeted by Organising Committee Chairman Brian Partington and Eddie Lowey  M.L.C.and after formal welcome speeches, entertainment was provided by the Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club and Manx Gymnastics.  Each team gave a tremendous performance, Ellan Vannin performing  " Team Gymnastics " and Manx Gymnastics performing their routines in period costume to Elizabethan music.

Alan Cross, Chairman of the International Island Games Association, formally thanked the Organising Committee for their warm welcome and hospitality in making what is a first in I.G.A. history - the opportunity for all Islands to meet one year prior to the Games.  15 of the member Islands were in attendance which enable the I.G.A. to have a quorate at their Annual General Meeting.  Alan went on to say all members present were in awe at the sporting facilities which the Isle of Man has to offer and that he and his Executive Committee are very impressed with what the Organising Committee has achieved so far in preparation for next year's Games.

Natwest Island Games 2001 Takes Off!
As part of the sponsorship deal with Betinternet.com - Don Lindsay, Commercial Director for the NatWest Island Games 2001 arranged for the Games logo to be displayed on Betinternet.com's Hot Air Balloon when it was launched at this year's T.T. Festival.
With over 50,000 spectators at this year's T.T. the balloon made quite an impact as it was inflated behind the Main T.T. Grandstand in Douglas.
The balloon will be flown at all major balloon fests over the next year and at many sporting events all over the British Isles.

Medical Director appointed
Chairman of the 2001 Organising Committee Brian Partington, welcomes Mr. Nick Batey F.R.C.S. Ed.  to the team as Medical Director for the 2001 Games.  Mr. Batey, recently retired as Senior surgeon at Noble's Hospital on the Isle of Man, is already well into his task having made contacts with all the General Mediacl Practitioners on the Island, First Aid providers and Dental services.
Nick brings with him to the job a wealth of experience locally and we extend a warm welcome to him as he joins the team aith one year to go.

Shetlands to bid for 2005 Games
Neil Watt of the Shetland Islands gave a brief presentation to the AGM stating it was their intention to bid for the Games in 2005.  John Nicholson  ( Shetland Council and team manager in 1985 ) endorsed the proposal on behalf of Shetland.  The Faroe Islands had intended to bid for 2005, but withdrew to make the way clear for a  "new"  Island to stage the Games.  Shetland's formal bid will be heard at next year's Annual General Meeting here on the Isle of Man.

Ladies Football Rescheduled
Following the visit of the I.G.A. Island delegates, the Organising Committee for 2001 will endeavour to reschedule the Ladies Football competition to be played on grass.  More to follow soon...


John Christal (2001 Results Co-ordinator)

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