ATHLETES will be looking their best as well as giving their best when they represent the Isle of Wight at next year’s Island Games after the team secured a major new kit deal.
Sandown-based software company ICRTouch has pledged around £16,000 to fund the Team IW squad’s official team uniform for the second games running.
Dan Eckersley, a gold medallist at last year's Island Games in Gotland.
Team IW plans to send around 140 competitors to the 18th biennial games in Gibraltar.
Martin Goodall, chairman of the IW Island Games Association, said: “We’re really excited to be continuing our fantastic relationship with ICRTouch.
“They are a global brand on the Island and to have their support as we compete on the international stage makes it a perfect fit.
James Groocock, in long jump action at last year's Island Games in Gotland.
“We’re exceptionally grateful, as it costs around £800 for each competitor to take part.
“To have the kit provided by ICRTouch will make a huge difference to us.”
A new uniform incorporating the Island flag — similar to the kit worn at the Island Games in Gotland a year ago — is currently being designed.
As part of the deal, the company will be helping to revamp and host the team’s website, which is expected to be launched this summer.
Trish Train and Charlie Metcalfe celebrate track success at last year's Island Games in Gotland, Sweden.
Colin Ringer, managing director of ICRTouch, Europe’s leading EPoS software developer, said: “It makes perfect sense to partner with our Island Games team.
“We’re excited to provide financial and technical resources to help support our sporting talent, to enable them to showcase what our Island has to offer on the international stage.”
Team IW will compete in 12 different events in Gibraltar — athletics, sailing, judo, tennis, swimming, shooting, triathlon, cycling, table tennis, squash, badminton and basketball.
Liz Dunlop in the triathlon at the 2017 Island Games.
Mr Goodall and vice-chairman, Kevin Winchcombe, travelled to the peninsular principality on Spain’s south coast on Wednesday to visit sporting venues and attend the international association’s AGM.
Next year’s games take place between July 6 and 12.
Anyone keen to support Team IW can contact Mr Goodall via email: iwiga.chair@gmail.com
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