Shetland Island Games 2005 Ltd
Sports Planning Conference
12th-13th October 2002

"Over 100 delegates attended the sports planning conference held at the Clickimin Leisure Centre on Saturday. The explicit purpose of the day was to highlight the scale of the sports programme in the XIth NatWest Island Games and to present an opportunity for local and national sports representatives to begin planning their respective sports events.

There were several keynote speakers present, notably Bo Frykenstam, Chairman of the International Island Games Association, from Gotland; Andy Varnom, Isle of Man National Sports Manager and Deputy Games Director for the 2001 Games; and Stewart Harris, Director of Widening Opportunities from Sportscotland.

Short welcome speeches from James Johnston, General Manager of the Shetland Recreational Trust; John Scott, Lord Lieutenant and Chairman of the Shetland Island Games 2005 Ltd, (the company which has been established to oversee the running of the Games); and Sandra Simpson, Chairperson of Shetland Island Games Association set the scene for the day, welcoming the keynote speakers and the representatives from the 14 sports National Governing bodies.

Bo Frykenstam focused on the historical development of the Games since its inception in 1985 as part of the Isle of Man Year of Sport, with 6 sports and 15 participating Islands. The Games have proved so popular among island sportspeople and grown considerably in scale. In 2005 we can expect to see teams from 24 Islands competing in 15 sports.

Andy Varnom explained his role in the 2001 Games and related his experiences during the preparations for staging the event "Don't underestimate the size of the task ahead" ran through the whole of his presentation. Andy did however finish his presentation by saying "It was the most challenging and exciting experience of his whole sporting life and there was an opportunity for anyone in the community to get involved."

Stewart Harris, Sportscotland congratulated the Shetland Islands for being awarded the games and that he would be looking at ways of maintaining and fostering the links between the Islands sports associations and their National Governing Bodies.

Bob Kerr, SIC Sports Development Officer and Gary Jakeman, General Manager for the 2005 Games gave a progress report covering a range of issues which need to be addressed for the event. These included transport, accommodation and catering.

Bob Kerr commented that "It is satisfying to see so many national representatives engaged in very positive dialogue here with local sportspeople. The discussions that have taken place today will lay the foundations of the sports programme for the XIth NatWest Island Games and the legacy for Shetland sport."

Gary Jakeman stated "there will be over 2,000 competitors and at least 650 officials attending our Games. We will need to consider all options in terms of travel and accommodation for our visitors and look to establish additional catering facilities to cope with the expected numbers."

At the conclusion of the successful Conference, John Scott, Chairman of Shetland Island Games 2005 Ltd. stated "that with the support of Sportscotland and the National Governing bodies I am certain that the sportsmen and women of Shetland will stage an unforgettable Games in 2005"