‘Thank you Guernsey for making us all feel special’ - Games chairman

A bittersweet ending to the Island Games, as the Games were closed, and the bars opened.

The flag is handed over from Dame Mary Perkins to Gordon Deans chair of Orkney IG organising committee with Jorgen Pettersson, right. (Pictures by Peter Frankland, 32327121)

Teams across the islands made their way round the track at Footes Lane with drinks in hand and medals round necks, enjoying their final evening.

Swapping kit with other islands, taking pictures and making friends, it was a heart-warming end to the Games.

With attaches waiting at the entrance to the track, it was emotional for some, as they ran to hug their ‘family’ for the week and thank them.

Nicola Heaume, Orkney's attache for the week, and Steve Allen at the closing ceremony. (Picture by Peter Frankland)

‘It’s been a very busy week but so much fun and the team are such lovely people,’ said Nicola Heaume, attache for Orkney.

‘Having them around has been great, my son has been playing football with the football team, and it’s really sad to see them go.’

Entertainment from B Creative Street Dance and the Samba band joined the competitors, and Island Games officials made the handover to Orkney.

Guernsey's women's basketball team were among those celebrating on the final day after securing bronze at the 'Beausie Dome'. (Picture by Peter Frankland)

The flag was taken down, and handed over to Gordon Deans, chairman of the Orkney 2025 Island Games.

‘Thank you to Guernsey for opening your island, opening your homes and making us all feel special,’ said chairman of the International Island Games Association, Jorgen Pettersson.

‘I call upon the sports to reassemble in two years’ time in Orkney for sportsmanship to continue.’

Deans said that it would be the largest event Orkney has ever held, and the island will learn from Guernsey’s ways to make it as great as possible.