It was confirmed yesterday that the next Island Games will not take place until Guernsey 2023 and the Isle of Man is now the preferred host for 2029.

This news followed the announcement in September that the Guernsey 2021 NatWest International Island Games would be postponed, but it was not clear at that point if it would simply be delayed a few months.

Therefore the plan for future Games is moved forward by a full two years instead. Orkney will be 2025, Ynys Mon [Anglesey] 2027 and Isle of Man the likely host for 2029, having previously organised the inaugural event in 1985 and the ninth biennial Games in 2001.

The above decision was reached after an extensive consultation with all of the member islands, as well as the organising committees from Guernsey, Orkney and Ynys Mon and the lead sponsors, NatWest International.

Jorgen Pettersson, chair of the International Island Games Association, confirmed that it has not been an easy decision: ’Although the outcome of the consultation supported 2023, we have tried hard to find solutions in order to do what we are meant to be doing - develop sports within our islands.

’The pandemic has changed our lives and substantially impacted all our member islands, both health-wise and economically. Competitors have not been able to prepare in the usual way through training and competition.

’It is fair to say that we all feel disappointment to not be able to meet and compete until 2023. Sports and friendship have created legacies, memories, passion and ambitions in all our member islands. We will meet in Guernsey and we will make sure we continue to develop sport in our islands. We will now start work with the organising committees to update the agreements with the funding bodies and sponsors.’

Dame Mary Perkins, chair of Guernsey’s organising committee, added: ’This is far more than just a sporting event. It brings together islands in a moment of celebration. Although we were well advanced with our planning, we fully support the decision from the IIGA and firmly believe that the Guernsey 2023 NatWest International Island Games will be an event like no other.

’We will use this time to work as hard as we can to put on the best event possible and give Guernsey and the other member islands something to look forward to. We now have to liaise with everyone involved to get the final date and details.’