200 days to go: Island Games organisers approaching ‘final sprint’
There are now only 200 days until Guernsey hosts the Island Games for the third time.
Delayed in 2021 due to Covid, the organising committee has spent the past few years rigorously preparing the island to host the 3,000 participants hailing from 24 different islands.
All basic plans have now been completed and the team will spend the next six months polishing the last details.
‘At the same time as the athletes are stepping up their training for the Games, the organisers are very busy heading towards the final sprint. The sporting venues are all ready, and the sports coordinators have done a huge amount of work to ensure that their events run smoothly,’ said deputy Games director Emma Beardsell.
Podcast: Tony Curr caught up with GIGA chairman Brian Allen and Guernsey 2023 organisers Amanda Hibbs and Emma Beardsell as the countdown passes 200 days to go
The draft events programme has been written up – the final version will be published in early February.
To bolster the 1,200-strong team of volunteers, the committee has been holding registration sessions at Beau Sejour, which came to an end yesterday and have proven very successful.
‘We were so impressed with the number of people who signed up to become volunteers and everyone registered will soon be allocated a role,’ said Games communications and events manager Amanda Hibbs.
There is a huge variety of roles including catering team leader, merchandising manager, signage coordinator and some volunteers will even get the chance to don the puffin mascot suit.
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Liz Stonebridge was inspired to get involved due to her experiences at the Guernsey Island Games in 2003, when she watched her sister win gold in the women’s basketball.
‘It was such an amazing experience,’ she said.
Another islander whose inspiration to volunteer also came from the last Guernsey Island Games was 28-year-old Ed Chauvel, who at eight years old fell in love with live sport.
‘I think it’s the earliest sporting event I was taken to. It’s brilliant for the community,’ he said.
Registration is now closed, however islanders are encouraged to play their part next July by transforming the island with Guernsey decorations to spur on our sporting best.
Bus drivers and anyone who holds a D or D1 drivers licence are especially encouraged to help fill a small gap in volunteers.
‘Support is key, it means so much to the competitors to see all the Guernsey flags,’ said Mrs Hibbs.
The Games will take place from 8-14 July 2023 and will see 14 sports played at 25 locations across the island.
