Thousands pack seafront to welcome 2023 Island Games
A huge crowd turned out in Town on Saturday evening as the 2023 NatWest International Island Games were officially opened.
Having waited an extra two years to see the island host the event for a record third time, thousands lined the seafront in St Peter Port to cheer on Team Guernsey and welcome athletes from the 23 other islands.
Guernsey's Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon, had the honour of declaring the 19th Island Games officially open, as water drawn from each member island was combined and the IIGA flag raised above North Beach.
But the biggest reception came when Guernsey flag-bearer Tom Hollingsworth, who is bidding for a 50th medal this week in the pool having made his debut in 2003, led the home team along from the Weighbridge Roundabout towards Crown Pier.
"I couldn't stop smiling", said cyclist Helena Duguid. 'I think my face hurts now from smiling so much'. 'I think it finally makes it feel real, it just gives you so much motivation to put my heart out on the bike and try my hardest'.
The action gets under way in many of the 14 sports on Sunday, with the Olympic distance triathlons at Rocquaine among the early highlights on day one of the Games.
