More than 100 Island Games assemblies have been held since 2003 when Guernsey last hosted the event. Former pupils from the schools are brought along to show prospective competitors what it could be like to take part in future Games.
The Games were first inaugurated in 1985 and have been hosted across the world every two years since, with local athletes given the chance to visit Gotland and Bermuda in recent years.
Alun Williams, Education Lead for the Health Improvement commission said:
“The Island Games are a great stepping stone and a great opportunity for the young people to take part in a wide range of sports. The breadth of the events is one of the best things about the Island Games. What we’re trying to say today is that if you aren’t good at swimming or athletics you can find a sport that you enjoy.
Pictured: Darcy Donkey takes part in a relay ‘swimming’ race with Castel pupils.
“The other thing about the games is the sense of camaraderie with the other islands, we do see the same faces year after year and we share a lot of the same experiences. One of the hardest things for us is getting off island to compete and they will have exactly the same thing.
“A lot of our competitors are young this year so that’s great, we can bring them back to their schools. The message is as simple as ‘this could be you’.”
At the Castel assembly, Oriana Wheeler, and Molly Staples, both 14, who are debuting in the Island Games swimming team this year, talked about their experiences and love of swimming.
The Island Games mascot, Darcy, sponsored by Utmost Worldwide also entertained the students to great success.
Pictured top: Darcy with pupils at Castel Primary School.