The Manx Are All Set For Orkney

The Isle of Man’s finest sporting legends (and their loyal entourage) are heading 350 miles north to Orkney for the 20th Island Games, which officially kicks off on Saturday night.

A whopping 179-strong Manx crew is making the journey, 153 of whom will actually be doing the competing, while the rest will be keeping things ticking along behind the scenes, shouting encouraging things, and making sure no one forgets their shorts.

Our lot will be battling it out across 11 of the 12 sports on offer,.

After bagging third place in Guernsey two years ago, the Manxies are setting their sights high again, with Jersey and Guernsey in their crosshairs.

Friendly rivalry? Sure. But medals speak louder than words.

Since the Island Games began right here on the Isle of Man 40 years ago (happy anniversary to us!), our talented bunch has racked up an impressive hoard: 530 golds, 495 silvers, and 460 bronzes.

Not too shabby, with only the Channel Islands ahead (for now).

Most of the squad will be hopping aboard two special chartered flights from Ronaldsway to Kirkwall on Friday and Saturday, provided they remember their passports.

These flights are just two of the 32 extra journeys being run by Loganair during the Games.

That’s a lot of athletes in tracksuits.

Long-time Isle of Man team manager Jill Gillings said earlier this week: ‘Preparation for the Games is always interesting as each one is different.

‘Orkney is the smallest island to host and has its individual challenges but it will all come together once we get there.

‘All the sports are busy with their own preparation and excitement is growing. We are all looking forward to exciting sporting achievements.’

Good luck to our Manxies – get stuck in, fly the flag, and make us proud (no pressure).