'A good challenge' for aspiring island players
AS MANY as 12 islands could do battle in an alternative summer tournament that will cover for tennis’ rare absence at Orkney 2025.
Guernsey is set to be among those contesting the Alternative Island Games, which run from 21 to 28 June in the Isle of Man, as the sport misses out from the main programme for the first time since Shetland 2005.
Guernsey team manager Rick Denton, secretary of the Island Games tennis committee, expects the tournament to be ‘a good challenge’ and ‘motivational’ for players.
‘We have the opportunity to take some of our more developing players to try and give them the chance to show what they can do and improve,’ he said.
He is expecting to send eight players – an even split of men and women – and keep this developmental focus.
However, previous champions Rob West and Jo Dyer have come onboard as team captains and provide a wealth of experience.
The majority of the islands that usually enter tennis have shown interest.
This includes various British Isles, plus Gotland, Aland and Gibraltar, and even those further afield, like the Caymans and Bermuda.
Denton also expects the week-long event to give a taste of what the Isle of Man’s full Games hosting in 2029 will offer.
‘It’s a really exciting event, and from an Island Games point of view they are the people who will be hosting in 2029,’ he said.
‘It’s a chance to show that they are Games ready, getting all the preparations right and taking a lead on the tennis side as well.’
Denton only stepped down from the Guernsey Island Games Association board in January 2024, having served as treasurer for eight years.
He remains a firm advocate of Guernsey’s involvement in the Games.
‘We are always very proud of our commitment in the Island Games.
‘We as an island have done fantastically, not just as winners or great performers but also as a combined sporting group that comes together, supports each other and outmuscles its relative size, and shows pride in developing their youth.’
