NatWest extends Games sponsorship to 2005

NatWest offshore, the main sponsor of the NatWest Island Games, is to extend its sponsorship agreement with the International Island Games Association (IGA) for a further two years.

The new deal is on top of the half a million pounds already pledged until 2003, and will guarantee the financial viability of the competition until after the Shetland games in 2005.

Bo Frykenstam, chairman of the IGA says: "I am very pleased. NatWest has been a steadfast supporter of the games for almost five years. During that time we have developed a working relationship and an understanding with the staff from the bank that would be hard to replace. I am therefore delighted that our partnership will not end in Guernsey next year but will continue through to the games in Shetland."

NatWest offshore funding has supported the IGA since 1998, providing contributions for running costs, the staffing of the IGA office in the Isle of Man and the organising committees of the respective host islands.

The bank also set up the NatWest Island Games Coaching Scheme, which has contributed nearly £50,000 pounds between 1998 and 2002 to member islands for professional coaching in official NatWest Island Games sports. In a separate release today, the IGA is announcing details of the islands which have been awarded grants from the NatWest Island Games Coaching Award Scheme for 2002.

John Harris, chief executive of NatWest offshore echoes the IGA Chairman's sentiments: "Our long association with the NatWest Island Games has been very enjoyable and very rewarding at many levels. Commercially the bank is represented in 11 of the 23 competing islands, but more than this, we have been able to support an event which is important to the residents and sportsmen and sportswomen in all the offshore communities in which we operate."

'I am delighted to reinforce our links with a significant event in the sporting calendar and one which exemplifies the islands' strong community spirit."

Further information: Bo Frykenstam, chairman of the International Island Games Association. Tel 00 46 498 58190.