A decision on whether or not the 2021 NatWest Island Games is likely to go ahead in Guernsey will be taken at the end of September.

The organising committee from Guernsey 2021 gave an online presentation to representatives from other member islands recently.

Games director Julie Bowditch commented: ’Although it is not the same as having everyone here together, we are working hard to bring certainty to our plans for 2021 and getting feedback from the other member islands has been an important step in that plan,’ she said.

’The 24 member islands are due to convene again for the International Island Games Association AGM at the end of September when, based on guidelines from the States of Guernsey and Health and Social Care, a decision will be made as to whether we are able to host the Games on their scheduled date.

’This gives us time to continue with a detailed evaluation of all scenarios and will give certainty to the islands.

’It is our hope that the Games will give all of the member island communities something to focus on and look forward to, although we appreciate that our plans may need to change.

’We will continue to work with the IIGA, the member islands, our sports co-ordinators, sponsors, volunteer teams and the States of Guernsey to ensure we deliver the best Games possible.

’However, the single most important consideration is one of public health, and we are determined to act responsibly through the decisions we make.’

The Games are scheduled to take place between July 3 and 9, 2021 with sportsmen and women competing in 14 sports. The Tokyo Olympics has been rescheduled for July 23 to August 8.

One option may be to delay the event until late September, therefore giving competitors more opportunity to reach qualifying standards in the first half of the year, perhaps as late as mid-June.

Postponement of the Island Games to 2022 would produce a clash with the Commonwealth Games being hosted by Birmingham from July 27 to August 7.