Sports and arts lottery is a big draw
SUNSHINE, sport and music entertained hundreds of islanders at the first Guernsey sports and arts lottery draw.
The event took place on Saturday at Footes Lane, where islanders tried out new sports, listened to live music, ate food and drank 25 variations of ales and ciders.
At 5pm was the main event of the day, the lottery draw, supported by Le Mont Saint garage, who provided the five prizes – Arbarth 595 cars.
‘The idea of the lottery is that after covering the costs of the cars, the money will go back into sports and arts in the island,’ operations manager for the sports and arts lottery Steve Melbourne said.
‘We managed to sell around £123,000-worth of tickets and were selling right up until a couple of hours before the draw.’
Pete Beausire from Le Mont Saint Garage said winners of the five cars were over the moon and in a bit of shock when they found out.
‘Around 800 tickets were sold and although we do not yet know exactly how much money was raised for sports and arts, I think it will work out at about £100,000.’
The day kicked off with a mini Olympics of eight games for six corporate teams.
Local musicians provided entertainment until 8pm, including winners of the Thirst Music Battle of the School Bands, Afterlife.
‘We wanted to get lots of sports involved, as well as local musicians from the arts community to really showcase the talent and opportunities in the island,’ said Mr Melbourne.
Netball, volleyball, rugby and basketball representatives turned up to the day and there was a children’s play area and a blow-up football pitch.
Under-21s basketball coach Jai Vaudin said he thought the event was a great idea.
‘It’s good to get the kids out for a fun family day and I hope it has encouraged some people to get involved in basketball to keep expanding and improving our teams.’
However, he felt it was a shame the day was only possible after paying quite a large fee to the States for the use of the Footes Lane grounds.
‘I think the States could do more to support arts and sports in the island,’ Mr Vaudin said.
As well as trying out sports, islanders could try 15 different ales and 10 ciders and try their luck at crown and anchor.
