Ever-present Elmy to carry the flag

NEIL ELMY has spoken of 'the ultimate honour' of being nominated as Guernsey's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Xth NatWest Island Games. I've made no secret of the fact that I would love to carry the flag.

'It's a great honour, the greatest you can achieve for your island at the Games.

'It would be the peak of my achievements for Guernsey, matched only by winning a gold medal on court either as a player or a coach.'

The men's volleyball coach and former player has been a participant at every Games and it was for that reason he was given the job of leading the 242-strong home team along the harbour front on Saturday week.

'He has been to all the Games and he is someone who has had a long-standing association with the Games, said Guernsey Island Games Association chairman John Hunt.

'He was nominated and the IGA unanimously agreed to ask him to do it,' added Hunt.

Another Games stalwart, athlete Caroline Wickham, will make the athlete's oath at the opening ceremony.

Kelly Leaman, the youngest Guernsey competitor, will be the home team's water carrier, an honour traditionally reserved for the baby of the Sarnian team.

Elmy, his wife Julie and 10,000 metres runner Val Sexton are the only Guernsey competitors to have appeared at every Games.NEIL ELMY has spoken of 'the ultimate honour' of being nominated as Guernsey's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Xth NatWest Island Games.

'I've made no secret of the fact that I would love to carry the flag.

'It's a great honour, the greatest you can achieve for your island at the Games.

'It would be the peak of my achievements for Guernsey, matched only by winning a gold medal on court either as a player or a coach.'

The men's volleyball coach and former player has been a participant at every Games and it was for that reason he was given the job of leading the 242-strong home team along the harbour front on Saturday week.

'He has been to all the Games and he is someone who has had a long-standing association with the Games, said Guernsey Island Games Association chairman John Hunt.

'He was nominated and the IGA unanimously agreed to ask him to do it,' added Hunt.

Another Games stalwart, athlete Caroline Wickham, will make the athlete's oath at the opening ceremony.

Kelly Leaman, the youngest Guernsey competitor, will be the home team's water carrier, an honour traditionally reserved for the baby of the Sarnian team.

Elmy, his wife Julie and 10,000 metres runner Val Sexton are the only Guernsey competitors to have appeared at every Games.