Building a legacy of participation
IF THE legacy of the Island Games is not to be buildings and facilities, then it must be in participation.
On that front, sports might face considerable, if desirable, challenges. Well-established youth groups might need more volunteers, mums and dads probably, to act as coaches, safeguarders and facilitators.
Some might find that they run out of space. Basketball’s Future Stars programme has been nothing but a success over the past few years – but when you are hiring court space every weekend, and relying on volunteer coaches, there are capacity and cost issues to be taken into account. Saying yes to enthusiastic new entrants to some sports might be more difficult than they would wish it to be.
The progression of women’s football – the big global growth game in recent years – under the Guernsey FC umbrella will be watched with interest. Perhaps more than most sports, its development has been troubled for a while. This seems a fantastic opportunity to properly move it forward into a new era.
All sports must stand ready to manage a surge in demand and then focus on retention. The Games' tagline 'Inspiring Islanders' seems apposite. There will inevitably need to be an increase in volunteer help.
Feels like a good opportunity too to remind to promote nominations for the Sports Volunteer category for the Pride of Guernsey Awards.