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INTERNATIONAL VISIT MARKS YEAR LEAD INTO NATWEST ISLAND GAMES 2011

On 25 June 2010, the planning stages for the NatWest Island Games 2011 will really come to life when delegates from almost all of the 25 member Islands which comprise the International Island Games Association (IIGA), together with the International Island Games Executive Committee, come on a four day visit to the Isle of Wight. This weekend marks the start of the year’s lead into the NatWest Island Games 2011.

During their stay the delegates will visit the sporting venues that will be used during the NatWest Island Games 2011, and will also have the opportunity of viewing the range of accommodation planned for up to 4000 athletes and officials taking part in what is expected to be the largest NatWest Island Games to date.

On Friday 25 June, the ‘count down’ clock will be unveiled at the Guildhall, Newport by David Ball, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Island Games Association and Jorgen Pettersson, Chairman of the International Island Games Association. The unveiling will take place at 5.15pm.

On Saturday 26 June, the delegates will attend the Primary Schools Island Games at Sandown’s Fairway Sports Complex, and Jorgen Pettersson, Chairman of the IIGA will make the opening address following a full musical opening ceremony.  He will also present the winners prizes at the end of the day.

The Primary Schools Island Games is in its third year and was started in 2008 following the successful bid by the Isle of Wight to host the international NatWest Island Games 2011. Hundreds of pupils will be involved, representing seven different islands: Cayman Isles, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Greenland, St. Helena, Western Isles and Menorca, and competing in seven different sports competitions: athletics, tag rugby, girls football, basketball, netball, tennis and cycling. The Mini Games start at 9.30am with prize giving at 2.15pm. Spectators are more than welcome to attend.

On Sunday 27 June the delegates will attend the Annual General Meeting of the International Island Games Association at Lakeside Hotel, Wootton, when bids to stage the Island Games 2015 will be presented by Gotland, (Sweden), and Jersey – and the winning island will be announced.

If you are planning to visit the Island during the Island Games, this website can also help you book accommodation, provide travel information, find places to visit and where to eat and drink.