Orkney sets sights on Island Games

The committee behind Orkney’s 2023 Island Games bid has named the thirteen sports that will be included if the event is held here.

They are archery, athletics, badminton, clay shooting, football, golf, gymnastics, lawn bowls, road cycling, sailing, squash, swimming and triathlon.

It was announced this week that the Orkney 2023 bid has received the backing of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) executive committee, following an inspection visit by a delegation in November last year.

Orkney is the only island group bidding for the 2023 games, so the next stage looks to be a formality, given the executive committee’s recommendation.

The final decision, however, will be taken by all 24 members of the IIGA at their AGM, which will take place on July 7 in Gibraltar, the host for the next Island Games in 2019.

Liam McArthur MSP, the Orkney 2023 bid chairman, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into preparing Orkney’s bid to host the 2023 Island Games and we’re delighted to receive this positive endorsement from the International Island Games executive committee.”

For full story, see this week’s The Orcadian.