Orkney signals intent to host Island Games

ORKNEY wants to host the NatWest Island Games in 10 years' time.

Although the Orkney Island Games Association have twice made unsuccessful bids in the past to host the Games – in 1989 and 1991 – chairman Ross Donaldson emphasised that things have moved forward considerably over the past two decades, including major investment in facilities.

Jersey and Gotland have already been named as the hosts of the next two Games, in 2015 and 2017 respectively, while the Faroe Islands are set to be approved as hosts of the 2019 Games at the annual meeting of the International Island Games Association next year.

Negotiations are already under way for the 2021 edition to take place in Menorca and now IIGA chairman Jorgen Pettersson has welcomed Orkney's desire to host the 2023 Games.

'Thanks to enthusiasts like Ross Donaldson, chairman of the Orkney IGA, and vice-chairman Robbie Fraser, Orkney IGA is ready to offer their services to become a host to our Games in 2023. This is great news,' he said.