Island Games excitement grows as preparations ramp up

Volunteers were hard at work over the weekend putting in the finishing touches for the Guernsey 2023 NatWest International Island Games – ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday.

Games director Julia Bowditch with the signage which has been put up at Beau Sejour leaving no doubt as to the sporting spectacle to come.(Pictures by Luke Le Prevost, 32262408)

This was particularly evident at Beau Sejour as, on top of the vibrant banners and flags advertising the coming spectacle, a small team of core organisers began to deal with a large delivery of boxes.

The imposing haul of more than 3,000 athlete goody bags took centre stage, but other items included medal boxes, extra kit, flagpoles, podiums and signage.

As Guernsey Island Games Association chairman Brian Allen looked over a substantial haul of assorted signs, he emphasised that it was only a small sample.

Guernsey island Games Association board member Karen Archenoul and chairman Brian Allen sorting through boxes of athletes’ goody bags and bedding for those who are camping. (32262420)

‘This is the tip of a big mountain of signage which is being delivered here first and we are having to get it all out to the venues,’ he said.

The goody bags were assembled by NatWest and delivered to Beau Sejour, where officials started splitting them by island.

Other challenges include the sorting of all accreditation by sport and island.

Games director Julia Bowditch said they were due to have more volunteers in over the coming days to help complete the work.

‘I am pleased we’re getting it under way,’ she said. ‘The momentum’s there and it’s going to happen. Everyone’s hard at work.’

Communications and events director Amanda Hibbs added: ‘With all the setting up over the weekend, the Games has suddenly become very tangible and it is great to see seats, signage, marquees, and flags going up.

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‘These have all been plans on paper for more than four years, and now it’s all coming to life. The excitement is very palpable and we’re really grateful to the community for supporting us.

‘Events like the NatWest International Island Games show what can be achieved when people, businesses, and charities all pull together.’

Saturday morning also saw the delivery of barriers to various sports venues.

Other finishing touches over coming days include upgrades to venues and special provisions for spectators, including 176 tiered seats overlooking the Beau Sejour pool.

‘The organising committee and all the volunteers are working extremely hard right now,’ Hibbs added.

‘We’re at the full throttle stage and there are lots of people burning the candle at both ends. It’s very challenging, but we’re meeting that challenge.

‘The sports co-ordinators who are in charge of the competitions at their venues have been incredible. They are the unsung heroes in this – without their dedication and resilience none of this would be possible.’