It’s likely that the Isle of Man will host the Island Games in eight years’ time.

We are the ’preferred host’ for the 2027 Island Games.

The International Island Games Association (IIGA) made the announcement at the association’s annual general meeting, which took place on Wednesday, in Gibraltar where this year’s Island Games are taking place.

Every two years the event sees 24 islands from around the world descend on the host island to compete in 14 sports.

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, attended a meeting earlier this week, at which he outlined the availability of all the necessary sporting facilities and the government’s financial commitment.

He said: ’This is a fantastic opportunity for the Isle of Man and it will be great to see the Island Games return to its spiritual home for the third time. The games have grown significantly since the first event was held here in 1985.

’We have a diverse range of significant sporting talent on the Isle of Man and the Island Games will be a great platform for us to showcase this at an international level and with the support of our local community too.’

Jörgen Pettersson, chairman of the International Island Games Association (IIGA), said: ’I am delighted to see the Isle of Man becoming the preferred host for 2027. It would be great to see the games going home to where it all began in 1985.’

It is estimated that the Island Games will generate about £2 million for the Manx economy.

The Isle of Man has hosted the Island Games twice before, including the inaugural event in 1985.