Press Release July 17, 2000

International Island Games Association

On Sunday, 16 July 2000 the IGA held its AGM in the Isle of Man, which was attended by over 40 delegates representing 15 of its member islands. This was a record attendance for an AGM in a non - Games year and was the result of an invitation to the islands from the 2001 NatWest Island Games Organising Committee.

In order to enable island representatives to view sporting venues and finalise travel and accommodation arrangements, a programme of meetings with the local organisers and a tour of the venues was scheduled for the two days following the AGM. This encouraged many islands to send representatives this week and had the added benefit of creating a quorum for a full AGM to be held. It also allowed members to renew their friendships and discuss items of mutual interest, something which has hitherto only been possible at the time of the Games.

After the AGM informal discussions were held in groups about the number and nature of sports to be included in future Games. Alan Cross, Chairman, says, ‘The IGA is very conscious that the increasing popularity of the NatWest Island Games - current numbers of projected competitors for 2001stand at 2,500 - puts increasing pressure, both practical and financial, on islands who wish to host the event. We are concerned that the Games do not grow so large that it would preclude some of the smaller islands from hosting the event in the future. The concept of the ‘Friendly Games is one that we do not want to lose.

‘During a Games week, members have so many other things on their minds, that this year we had the opportunity to consider fundamental issues relating to the future of the Games. Although we have not reached any firm conclusions about the way forward, it was valuable to gather a wide variety of views and it also gives delegates the chance to discuss the issues in their islands over the next year.’

The delegates also heard that Shetland has notified the IGA of their intention to bid to host the NatWest Island Games in 2005 and this will be voted on at the next AGM in July 2001.

This week, the IGA launched their website, www.islandgames.net which gives information about the role of the IGA, the history of the Games and gives details of the NatWest Island Games Coaching Fund. It also has a link to the 2001 NatWest Island Games website.

The Executive Committee of the IGA is delighted and impressed with the work already completed by the Isle of Man Organising Committee in their preparations for next year’s NatWest Island Games.

Alan Cross says, " The sporting facilities in the Isle of Man will be the envy of many other member islands. The National Sports Centre will be the focus of the Games and has a superb range of facilities. I am sure this will encourage a high standard of competition as well as creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike".