Amid the buzz of the unexpectedly sun-kissed Orkney 2025, Guernsey Island Games Association chairman Jon Marley was among those getting a taste of the next edition via a special presentation by the Faroes hosts.
He received confirmation that all three big team sports will feature in the next Island Games, including the almost ever-present football competition, basketball bouncing back from missing out in Orkney, and indoor volleyball being contested for the first time since Gotland 2017.
In fact, volleyball players will be spoilt for choice – with both the beach and indoor versions included. Beach volleyball last featured at Gibraltar 2019.
Having started his 34-year service for the Games as a volleyballer, Marley welcomed the sport’s big comeback with open arms.
‘I’m absolutely loving it,’ he said.
‘They’ve missed out on so many Games now. As an ex-volleyballer, I was gutted to choose to not host volleyball in Guernsey. We did the right thing – we hosted basketball – but I’m very happy to see it back in the Games again.’
Tennis, table tennis and shooting are also back after missing Orkney, while judo makes a rare appearance, having last taken place at Gibraltar 2019 and then not within the 10 years prior to that.
‘Also happy to see judo make a return... great to have our judo competitors back in,’ Marley added.
‘Interesting times these Games.’
The triathlon may well come with a new look in the Faroes.
Orkney’s Olympic distance race went ahead with the best-case scenario of a full sea swim, due to unexpectedly warm temperatures, but Faroes organisers have already agreed on using their 50m pool for this purpose.
Marley also shared the good news for all competitors that the travel options look ‘really good’.
‘They showed us some very good air links. We may be able to go into a London hub and direct straight into Faroes, so that’s nice.
‘They said to expect similar weather to what Orkney should be – but not what we should have had.
‘They just warned about fog, really, but our logistics will work things out and I’m looking forward to it. Not that it will be me going.’
Indeed, when Marley came into the important post in January 2024, he had done so purely on a two-year term.
Archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, gymnastics and swimming are the other sports that will feature in the Faroes under his successor’s eyes.
More information can be found on the freshly-launched Faroe Islands 2027 website.
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