Bright plans for Games village

Friday 13 March 2015

Battle winners are helping to put Jersey on the map this summer.

The Optimists Club are working on a new flowery centrepiece for the NatWest Island Games.

When it's blooming in June, the stand featuring an outline of the map of the Island and the Jersey 2015 logo will sit in the main entrance of the Games village in Howard Davis Park.

Games Director Steve Bailey said: “Traditionally, Games have boasted a signature centrepiece. We couldn’t have found a more fitting one than a Battle of Flowers float. It’s one of the things Jersey, as an island community, does best.”

The Optimists are award-winning float builders - last year they took home the Prix d'Honneur at the Battle of Flowers for the third year in a row for their Firecracker float as well as a number of other awards.

Float designer Steve Bouchard said: “It is an honour for the club to play a small part in what promises to be a fantastic event and to showcase what the Jersey Battle of Flowers has to offer.

The centrepiece is being sponsored by the Optimists Club’s long time supporters - Insurance Corporation of the Channel Islands.

Corporation Managing Director Glyn Smith said: “Our winning partnership with The Optimists Club dates back many years and is a key part of our Channel Island community sponsorships. To be able to link that relationship with such a prestigious event as the Island Games and indeed support its focal point is a wonderful opportunity for both parties.”

Once the stand is built it will be hidden away just like the battle floats until it’s ready to flower the night before the Opening Ceremony.

It should be as pretty as a picture when it’s finished and Mr Bailey hopes it will feature in many visitors' photos this summer.