© International Island Games Association
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 January 2005 TWO ISLANDS BID TO HOST The 2009 NatWest Island Games will be hosted by either Aland or Ynys Mon, both of which have now lodged official bids. If chosen, Ynys Mon from Wales would be organising the Games for the first time while the Finnish Island of Aland was the host once before - in 1991. The question of which Island stages the 2009 event will be on the agenda for the March committee meeting of the International Island Games Association Executive, from which a recommendation goes out to the membership later that month. July's annual general meeting in Shetland will make a final decision after viewing presentations from the two bidding Islands. Executive Committee officials, led by chairman Bo Frykenstam, visited both Aland and Ynys Mon recently to assess and assist the bid committees and advise on final submissions. Said Mr.Frykenstam: "The assessment team was impressed with the commitment shown by the bidding Islands and we also noted the strong will to host the Games exhibited by both sportspeople and political leaders. Preparations and facilities are excellent and I am sure a successful event is assured whichever one of them is chosen." Originally, there was a third Island in the running. Saaremaa had signified its wish to host the event and the Association's executive paid an official visit to assess its bid. Although members were also delighted with developments in Saaremaa the Estonian Island has decided not to pursue its bid for 2009. A spokesperson said they had carried out a feasibility study and this, together with helpful comments from the Association's assessment team, had given them confidence they could stage the Games in the future. However, they felt the time was possibly not right at the moment and, with two other strong contenders in the field, had decided to withdraw their bid.
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