From left, NatWest’s John Lindon, IW Island Games chairman David Ball, International Island Games Association chairman Jorgen Pettersson and NatWest’s Jerry Whitsey.
ISLAND GAMESTHIS was the moment the countdown officially began for the NatWest Island Games 2011.
IW Island Games chairman David Ball, and International Island Games Association chairman Jorgen Pettersson revealed the electronic countdown clock from behind a St George’s Cross flag at Newport’s Guildhall on Friday. As the clock was revealed, it showed there were 364 days, six hours, 38 minutes, and 54 seconds to go before the eight-day event is opened.
They were joined on the Guildhall balcony by NatWest head of products and marketing, Jerry Whitsey, and the bank’s community investment manager John Lindon.
Mr Lindon said: "We are really happy to be here. The good feeling about the Island Games is that we at NatWest like to think of ourselves as a community bank, and this event brings so much community spirit, not only to the host island but to all the participating 25 islands."
Watching the event were delegates from the 25 member islands who were taken on a tour of all the venues for next year’s games, as well as being invited to two evening receptions.
At the end of the visit, Mr Pettersson said: "I express deepest thanks to David Ball and the committee for their generosity, hospitality and enthusiasm shown in taking care of all the delegates and the executive this weekend. I think everyone has a good picture of what to expect. Everything has gone well, we have seen the venues and I am especially impressed with the organisation and inspiration of the Primary Schools Island Games and the opening ceremony there.
"I have no hesitation whatsoever that the opening and closing ceremonies next year will be very much remembered."
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk