Island Games begin with Opening Ceremony
By Michael Pavitt From Inside the Games
A medieval themed Opening Ceremony officially began the 17th edition of the Island Games in Gotland today.
The Swedish island is hosting the Games for the second time, having last done so in 1999.
Over 2,000 athletes and officials from the 24 islands competing islands were paraded in front of a crowd as the Ceremony began.
Aland, Alderney, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Froya and Gibraltar are among those joining the hosts in competitions.
Greenland, Guernsey, Hitra, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Jersey, Menorca, Orkney, Rhodes, Saaremaa, Sark, Shetland Islands, St Helena, Western Isles and Ynys Mon are also taking part.
“We want development, we want success and we want friendship,” said Jorgen Pettersson, International Island Games Association chairman, according to the BBC.
“This is the 17th time we gather and celebrate a week that will be filled with magic.
“Our Games has made a difference, together we have strengthened sporting life within the islands, but even more importantly the Island Games has made people and societies grow together.”
Cyclist Mark Cavendish and athletics’ Kelly Sotherton are among the high profile athletes to have competed at past editions of the Games.
Athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, football, shooting, table tennis, tennis, triathlon and volleyball will be contested on the first day of sporting action.
The Games will continue until June 30.
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