Bigger than the Winter Olympics

Bringing the Island Games home could be bigger than the Winter Olympics, according to the chairman of the  International Island Games Association (IIGA).

Jörgen Pettersson was on the island last week to inspect potential venues for the games if it is decided that the island can host the games which started here in 1985.

Having talked up the Games’ role in bringing together small islands and communities, as well as giving athletes a stage to perform for the countries, Jörgen was asked about the value of hosting the games to island given that they come with a price tag of abut £2.4m.

He said: ‘It’s not a matter of spending money, it’s a matter of investing in the future. Every island every community gains from making their community feeling inspired and enthusiastic.

‘When the Island Games, when it comes to the Isle of Man in 2029, will be larger than the Winter Olympics very likely, so it’s a huge event and when building a future, it’s important to have brave citizens along you.

‘The Island Games is one of the very very best investments that you could ever do, it is money in but it’s more money out and furthermore, it’s community that will be stronger after the games than before it.’

While the island had clearly impressed Jörgen, he said he would like to see every facility improved, but not because they are below par.

He explained: ‘We’re dealing with development, We’re never pleased. No sports, no competitor, no sportsman, no human, no community, no island should ever be. We’re never compliant, we always want to be a little bit better, that’s what we do and that’s who we are.’

Responsible for this stage of the island’s bid (and likely plans) to host the Games is DESC Minister Julie Edge.

Ms Edge said that the impact of any event like the Island Games has to be to leave a legacy of better facilities for the next generation to hone their craft.

‘You know, the aim of any games and it’s classed as the friendly games, is to inspire future generations and get as many people from the community involved,’ she said.

The gov will be looking for  some 1,200 volunteers to help the island host the event if it is successful, similar to when the Commonwealth Youth Games were held here in 2011.

But beyond sporting legacy, we do live in difficult times and, several gov projects aside, a return on investment is key for anything that taxpayers are asked to pay for. However, with the Island Games, the Onchan MHK is confident that there will be benefits to the whole island.

Ms Edge said: ‘So we’ve estimated it could be in the region of £3million that we bring into the economy, it could be up to 4,000 people here.’

While questions have been asked of the suitability of some hosts’ facilities and accommodation, with the NSC and experience of hosting one of the world’s premier sporting events in the TT, the island seems well placed to host the Games.

Despite this, planning for the Games is a major piece of work, with athletes due to arrive from across the world.

Ms Edge said: ‘It’s not something that you can do within a 12 month period, it will be two, three years planning and ensuring that all those logistics are in place because you need somebody to manage transport, you need somebody to manage accommodation and then obviously there’s the food element and the hotels and so there will be a committee put together and there will be a lot of people involved and, hopefully, all of our businesses will get the opportunity to be part of it.’

The decision on the island’s bid is due to be announced next summer.