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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