March 2004

NATWEST EXTENDS
ISLAND GAMES SPONSORSHIP

The continued success of the NatWest Island Games is assured for the forseeable future following the announcement that NatWest is extending its financial support.

The original agreement between NatWest and the International Island Games executive covered a six year sponsorship for the gatherings in Gotland, the Isle of Man and Guernsey. This was then increased to take in next year’s Games in Shetland and now comes news that a further commitment has been given to carry on the sponsorship for Rhodes in 2007.

At a meeting of the IGA executive committee in Rhodes this week a new extension to the agreement was signed between David Gillespie, Director of Retail Banking, offshore business, and Bo Frykenstam, Chairman of the International Island Games Association

Afterwards, Mr. Gillespie said: “We are delighted to extend our sponsorship of the NatWest Island Games once again. The first Games with which we were associated, in Gotland in 1999, proved the importance of the event both to our local communities and our staff, irrespective of where it is held.

“As a leading local bank our role in the community is of vital importance to us and our association with the Games and the IGA further underpins our commitment to the islands. We look forward to the NatWest Island Games in Rhodes which, I am sure, will have as distinctive an atmosphere as the last three Games.”

Under the patronage of NatWest the event has gone from strength to strength, a point acknowledged by Bo Frykenstam. He added: “In addition to their sponsorship of the Games themselves, NatWest have contributed over £60,000 via its coaching fund - an initiative which has led to an increase in sporting standards throughout the member islands. This scheme has recently broadened its scope and is now known as the NatWest Sports Development Scheme.

“We have had an excellent working relationship with NatWest over the past six years and there is no doubt their involvement has contributed substantially to the expansion of the Games to the extent that it boasts over 2,000 competitors and is now recognised as an important event on the world sporting calendar.”

In addition to its sponsorship of the 2007 gathering in Rhodes, NatWest has an option for the 2009 event as well. Three islands are in the running as hosts - Saaremaa, Aland and Ynys Mon - with a final decision being made next year during the Games in Shetland.

While in Rhodes the IGA Executive Committee has been visiting some of the venues which will be used for the Games of 2007.

The committee also had a presentation from Gary Jakeman, the Games administrator for Shetland in 2005. Although delegates from member islands will visit Shetland this summer for the IGA annual general meeting, Mr Jakeman asks that all islands make their travel arrangements as soon as possible.

ENDS