Executive Visit Rhodes

The International Island Games Association Chairman, Brian Partington and Treasurer, Eric Legg, have just completed their visit to Rhodes in preparation for the NatWest Island Games XII which will take place later this year from 30th June - 6th July. They met with the 2007 Organizing Committee, representatives of the Municipalities and visited several of the sports facilities and sites.

Most of the facilities are ready; however there are some that are still to be completed. Work is continuing at the Tennis Club, the new Beach Volleyball court, and the new Air Gun facility whilst the work at the Golf course is yet to get underway as is the major work on the Athletics track. There is also as yet much work to be done to prepare for the Shooting events.

The representatives were impressed by the Organizing Committee’s preparations for hosting this major sporting event and their work to involve volunteers. Over 500 volunteers are already enrolled but many more will be required. They, together with the sponsors, will show the “Face” of Rhodes. The Municipalities and Sporting Community have pledged their support and it is hoped more sponsors and volunteers will commit themselves to this great event.

It is a major achievement for a small Island to host such a large event, which has grown from having 750 competitors at the First Games to over 3.000 expected to compete in Rhodes. We know Rhodes would wish to produce the best Games yet giving the future hosts, Aland 2009 and Isle of Wight 2011, a challenge hard to equal.

IGA Chairman Brian Partington said, “We are excited about the NatWest Island Games coming to Rhodes and have been impressed by what the Organizing Committee has been able to achieve. However the real test will be to complete the work still in progress and leave a legacy of new and improved sporting facilities. We wish you well and look forward to meeting our Rhodian friends again on the 30th June in the Ancient Stadium’’.

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