Everything You Need To Know About The Island Games

Sport plays a part in many of our lives. It has the power to change communities. It can improve physical health and mental wellbeing, strengthen social connections and nurture inclusion. It also has the power to inspire change, and ‘inspiring islanders’ is the motto of the Guernsey 2023 Island Games, which are happening right here in our island community, from Saturday 8th to Friday 14th July.

Regardless of whether you're a fitness enthusiast, an occasional player or a sports spectator you will undoubtedly feel the buzz of the Games here in the Bailiwick in the coming days with the influx of so many people. Here’s all you need to know.

 

 

The Big Picture

The Games are bringing together athletes from 24 island communities from all around the world; from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and from the North Atlantic to the Caribbean. At the last count there were 2,194 athletes signed up. Add to that the coaches, families and supporters who will be travelling with them - that’s a lot of people visiting the island, all bringing a positive mindset and lots of enthusiasm with them. The energy on the island will be invigorating as we give them a warm Guernsey welcome.

 

The Opening Ceremony

The Island Games will open on Saturday 8th July with a parade of over 2000 athletes along the Town seafront, from North Beach to the Albert Pier. The organisers promise a heart-pumping, music filled spectacle, with entertainment starting from 5pm. The ceremonial element will include a symbolic mixing of the waters, the Games’ equivalent of the lighting of the Olympic flame. Everyone is invited to come along and watch the procession and the ceremony.

 

The Sports

The Games are made up of 14 different sports. They are archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, cycling, football, golf, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and triathlon. In total there are 205 events, taking place at venues dotted all over the island. You can view the full full programme of events here and find out information about the venues, including parking, bus routes and facilities for each of the individual venues here. 

 

The Events

All of the events are entirely free, making the Games accessible to everyone. There are no tickets, simply turn up to watch the events that you want to see… here’s a programme overview to help you plan. But bear in mind that entry to some of the venues may be limited by size, meaning that if audience capacity is reached at certain points the marshals may have to restrict entry so get there early to avoid disappointment. And many of the sports will be livestreamed on the Guernsey 2023 YouTube channel, including athletics, swimming and some football, basketball, tennis and badminton matches, so if it gets too busy for you, you can always watch the performances live here.

 

The Travel Situation

It’s inevitable that travel will be busy on the roads, with some travel disruption during the week. There will be some road closures and diversions - you can find all of the details here. The organisers are asking islanders to bear with them, and enjoy some of the positives that will come out of the situation. The island’s buses will be free throughout the week (except the late night Friday and Saturday services) and you’ll find extended cycle park areas at the venues, and ‘park and stride’ points around St Peter Port. And if you live near the routes of the road events, why not step outside and take this opportunity to watch first class athletes right on your doorstep. 

 

The Whole Community

Pride House will be open to everyone during the games, celebrating diversity and inclusion by offering a safe space for athletes, supporters and allies to come together within an accepting community, which is sadly something that might not be available in some of the participants’ home islands.Everyone is invited to come along and watch daily livestreams of the Games, visit the art exhibition and celebrate at the ‘After Hours’ bar. Some of the events on offer include lunchtime Pride in Sport talks, including an intimate chat with a local trans athlete. You can book your free tickets here. 

 

The Legacy

In line with the motto of inspiring islanders, one of the core themes of the Games is to remind us that sport is not just about elite participation, it is for everyone. The organisers are hoping that the legacy of Guernsey2023 will go well beyond the end date of the Games and that we will all take pleasure from the recreational and social joy of sport, now and in the future. This week can be a catalyst to people of all ages to move out of their comfort zones and ultimately live happier and healthier lives.