Games 'buzzing' as sports fans soak up atmosphere
AS THE NatWest Island Games came to an end yesterday, the cheers and chants from local spectators echoed throughout Jersey, in recognition of Team Guernsey 'making their island proud'.
Community spirit remained high at what some islanders described as 'one of the greatest sporting events in history'.
For new parents Ollie and Donna Dowding, the Games was the family's first holiday with six-week old daughter Ella. Armed with a Guernsey flag and cushion, the couple could feel the excitement as they went to support friends in the men's and women's basketball teams as well as football.
Mrs Dowding, 36, is a teacher and has never been able to attend the Games before, but while she was on maternity leave, she could not wait to travel over.
'We wanted to come along and support our friends but also all the other Guernsey players because we do have that tight-knit community. I think the Games is just a great way to bring everybody from all sports together, not just the people taking part, but also the spectators.'
The parents hoped in years to come they would return to the Games to support their daughter.
