That is Guernsey Island Games Association chairman Chris Jackson’s view following his visit to next year’s hosts, having travelled alongside team manager Karen Buck-Archenoul to the Kingdom of Denmark archipelago.
This trip combined the International Island Games Association annual general meeting with an organised pre-visit, which included viewing the numerous facilities to be used between 3 and 9 July 2027.
Although Jackson observed a mix of pre-existing venues and some that are currently being worked on, quality was consistently ‘fantastic’.
‘So far, what we’ve seen is that they’ve done it really, really well,’ he said.
‘It looks like everything is very well-prepared. I just think the facilities are fantastic – I don’t think anyone’s going to come away complaining about facilities, because they are absolutely superb.’
This includes a ‘stunning’ 50m pool with provisions for 700-800 spectators, brand-new 3,000-seater handball stadium that will be used for basketball, ‘enormous’ gymnastics hall, and very scenic shooting range set around the steep cliffs.
The opening and closing ceremonies will utilise the 5,000-capacity National Football Stadium.
Unusually, following support from the Faroe Islands FA, the football tournament will span much of the archipelago.
This multi-island plan includes some group games on Suduroy – requiring a two-hour boat trip south.
But, due to venue proximity, public transport options and tunnels connecting most islands, sports personnel will generally not face such difficulties.
‘You’re looking at 10, 11 of the main sports being in Torshavn,’ Jackson said.
‘Then they’re trying to do everything as close to it as possible.’
Besides extremely long days, the Games’ most northerly host yet is also noted for regular and unpredictable fog.
‘Weather-wise, we had the opportunity to try our Orkney kit,’ Jackson added in a nod to the unexpectedly warm conditions at last year’s Games.
‘One minute it’s bright sunshine – as bright as it gets – the next it’s thick mist and drizzle.’
The Giga chief has highlighted the intention to bring the team in a day early, to allow for weather delays.
This would contribute to the likely record-breaking cost of these Games.
Jackson still cannot provide a ballpark figure, which is dependent on flights and accommodation arrangements, but is expecting even the cheapest option to be ‘north of £2,000’ per competitor.
‘It’s not going to be under that.’
Triathlon misses out for Gotland 2031
Triathletes, meanwhile, will face the uncharacteristic absence of their sport from the Gotland 2031 Island Games.
Many Games staples are among the 14 sports planned to be hosted on the Swedish island, which was voted in at last weekend’s AGM.
But triathlon is a notable absentee, having last missed out at Isle of Wight 2011.
‘They’ve gone for their big team sports again, much in the way the Faroes have,’ Jackson said.
‘Triathlon, unfortunately, is one they’ve decided they’re going to miss out. Saying that, triathlon has had a good run.’
Sailing and bowls continue their dry spells, both missing out on a third successive Games following absences from the 2027 and 2029 editions.
Judo is among the winners, being set to make only its ninth appearance in the Games’ long history.
Shooting will also operate a full programme for the first time since Guernsey 2023, with only clay pigeon included in the Faroes and other Games omitting the sport.
Archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball are the other sports set to feature in Gotland’s third hosting.
You need to be logged in to comment.