ISLAND GAMESMORE than 150 athletes plus officials are today (Friday) making their way to the 2009 NatWest Island Games, in Aland.
After months of training and, in some cases, two years of selection competitions, the IW will be represented in athletics, badminton, tennis, table tennis, swimming, sailing, football, golf and shooting.
This year’s Island Games take place in a variety of venues scattered across Aland’s archipelago, situated between Sweden and Finland, and are the biggest games to date, with around 3,000 athletes from 25 islands competing.
The IW is the largest-populated island taking part, with Sark — with a tiny population of 650 — the smallest.
The IW will be looking to match, or improve on, the medal haul competitors managed in Rhodes two years ago, when they won six gold, two silver and five bronze medals, coming 13th in the medal table.
Among the medal hopes are golfer Mark Bell, who won a silver in Rhodes two years ago, the IW shooting team who have plenty of experience and medals behind them and the four-man sailing team, who, in Rhodes won team gold and a silver. Another hot favourite is hammer thrower Andy Frost, fresh from Great Britain international duty where he competed in the European Team Championships.
Although his throw at the event in Portugal was some ten metres off his best, he is still a clear front runner in the hammer contest.
Looking strong are the men’s football team who have plenty of depth and have been training intensely, while the women’s team face a hectic and tough group stage if they are to make it through to the semi-finals.
There could be a surprise in the table tennis, where talented teenager Scott Lawson is making his debut, while the young swimming team will be looking to make a big impact, in particular Mikael Popov and Sam Tinson-Wood.
All eyes will be on the IW in particular this year as, in two years’ time, the IW will play host to the ever-growing event. The games will be officially handed over to the IW during the closing ceremony on July 4, part of which will see the IW give a carnival display.
IW Council chief executive Steve Beynon wished the team luck and added: "The whole of the IW are behind the team and I look forward to following the progress of our athletes.
"Organisers in Aland say this year’s competition will be the largest yet. There is no reason why we cannot make it even bigger in 2011."
Many Island companies, including Wightlink, have also given their backing to the IW team through sponsorship, while additional funding has been given by the IW Council and the Youth Opportunities Fund.
• Full information about the games can be found at www.natwestislandgames2009.ax
Sports editor Clare Wall is with the team and will be reporting all the action, with four pages of reports in next week’s edition of the County Press and daily updates on our website, www.iwcp.co.uk.
You can also view updated results and medal tables at www.alandresults2009.com