GIGA invites views

GUERNSEY'S Island Games Association will put together a discussion paper on the frequency of the event. Following an official proposal from archery, who want the Games to move to a four-year cycle, GIGA has asked member sports to come forward with their considered thoughts on the matter.

A discussion paper is the best way forward, said GIGA chairman Dave Dorey.

The Caesareans' own IGA has been canvassing opinion on the step to stretch the frequency of the biennial event, a move which many sports officials in Jersey have privately been advocating for some time.

IGAJ chairman Bob McGinnigle said he was aware of developments in Guernsey and that his committee were making their own findings.

'There will be a meeting of the IIGA in Shetland in July and it's something which is likely to come up then, so we need to know where our members stand.'

Jersey football are backing a change.

They are not sending a team to Shetland because of the cost and JFA chairman Charlie Tostevin said that this year's event did not offer value for money.

'Because it's becoming so expensive, it's always a struggle - sponsorship is not as easy as it used to be.

'If the Games were held less frequently, it would give us more time to raise the money,' he said.

Ian Coombs-Goodfellow has been to every Island Games for Jersey since the first. He wants a four-year cycle too.

'There is a risk that the Games could lose their status because islands might not be sending their best teams because of the cost. I'd like to see it every four years - perhaps two years each side of the Common-wealth Games - given serious consideration.'

But, as in Guernsey, there are those who do not want change.

'It suits us perfectly as it is,' was the tone of the message from Jersey's top swim coach, Paul du Feu, echoing the thoughts of Guernsey swimming.

'We've got used to every two years and, for swimming, it works. There's a short enough gap between the Games to keep people motivated and if, for any reason, they miss one, they know it's not long to the next.

'We use the Games as a focal point for a lot of very good swimmers who aren't internationals.'

Additional reporting by Neil Bradbury