Island Games' organisation wins gold

Monday 29 June 2015

Jersey felt the strain of the Island Games this weekend, but organisers say Islanders have got behind the biggest event to arrive on our shores in years.

Around 3,000 competitors, officials and supporters are estimated to have arrived in Jersey in the last few days as 24 islands compete for medals in the 2015 Island Games. Hotels are full, transport networks at full capacity and huge crowds are attending each sporting event.

Friday was the busiest day for logistics as teams started to arrive en masse for the start of the Games. Logistics Manager, Andy Jehan said there were over 47 changes to the original travel plans as teams got delayed or schedules altered, "We’ve had massive delays with people coming to the island, usually because they weren’t able to leave their own islands. Saturday night we had the Aland flights delayed which meant they arrived the same time as Gotland. We had all the coaches committed to the opening ceremony so we had to utilise double decker buses to bring the competitors to the ceremony. We managed to get Gotland into position in Don Road just before they reached the park which was all down to a fantastic team effort. Tantivy, Signature and Liberty Bus have all been working together for the good of the island."

Mr Jehan also praised the Ports of Jersey and Jersey Customs as well as the island’s Honorary police and the Waitrose Games Makers. He also singled out Condor after 600 to 700 people arrived on the boat on Friday afternoon without any hitches.

With so many sports on offer at venues around the island, there have been some complaints about the traffic jams and road closures, but overall Games Director, Steve Bailey, says it’s been going brilliantly with huge support from islanders. “Everything is going to plan, there have been a few little things but we’ve soon got then sorted and it’s been mostly down to the size of the crowds that have been turning out to watch the sports – that’s presented challenges we hadn’t foreseen, but we’ve worked round them as a team. There’s been a fantastic atmosphere wherever we go and the TV screens are working and getting people interested. Plus we’ve been so lucky with the weather.”

There are two giant outdoor screens showing live action and highlights from the games around the island, one in Liberation Square and one in St Aubins.

Islanders are being urged to be patient if caught up in traffic or diversions. Andy Jehan says Thursday is likely to be the toughest day for logistics this week. “We will be closing town at lunchtime and in the evening, but we’re hoping people will come out of work and watch the cycling and really get behind the games, and particularly Jersey. We’re asking people to be patient and encouraging visitors to walk wherever possible or catch the loop bus.”

Organisers hope the weekend’s big crowds of spectators will continue, Steve Bailey urges islanders to get behind the Games, "This is our Olympics so keep enjoying it, get out and if you’re near a TV screen go and watch it.  We nailed the opening ceremony with the support of everybody and I think we’re on to a winner. We’ll get a gold at the end of this."