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Guernsey's Education Department has partnered with Blue Islands to give 180 Guernsey schoolchildren the chance to enjoy the spectacle of the NatWest Island Games XVI in Jersey. The airline has pledged to operate a series of special charter flights, to make the day trips to Jersey happen for local pupils.
Seven primary and secondary schools will be involved in this unique initiative which organiser Alun Williams, Lifelong Learning Manager at the Education Department, thinks will help to inspire the next generation of Island Games athletes: "International sporting events have a very positive and motivating impact on the lives of young people. We have seen that in recent years with our involvement in the Commonwealth Games, London 2012 Olympics and the rugby and football World Cups."
A special Blue Islands flight dedicated to this initiative will depart from Guernsey each weekday throughout the Island Games week, taking a group of pupils and accompanying adults to Jersey. The varied itinerary will include watching the various sports events, visiting local schools and even having lunch in the athletes’ village.
The NatWest Island Games organisers in Jersey have also got involved and each child will receive a special VIP Games pass, giving them special access to the sporting venues.
"This initiative will provide an incredible experience for all the school children involved and as such, Blue Islands are delighted to sponsor this island wide, community event.
Our designated charter flights are the perfect way to accommodate these large bookings, so we knew we could help make it happen and ensure as much is packed into the days as possible. With our roots firmly in the Channel Islands it makes sense that we support an event that pulls the island’s communities together for what is going to be an amazing event," explains Rob Veron, Managing Director of Blue Islands.
Guernsey will be sending its largest-ever team to Jersey for the Games and no doubt the pupils will be their biggest cheerleaders, helping to make this community event very memorable for everyone.
The joint initiative will also include special school assemblies, extended physical education lessons focused on the Island Games sports and some special sessions in the lead up to the Games to help ensure everyone gets the most from the event.
Mr Williams concludes: "Visiting the Nat West Island Games in Jersey represents a great opportunity to inspire and motivate young people as they will be able to experience at first hand a top quality sports event featuring 300 local sportsmen and women. We are very grateful to Blue Islands for making this possible for so many youngsters. The Island Games is a community event and their generosity has enabled Guernsey young people to participate in what promises to be a thrilling occasion."
