The 19th edition of the Games came to a close last night with the athletes, organisers and volunteers having a party after the ‘baton’ was officially handed to Orkney where the 20th Games will be held in 2025.
Pictured: Cameron Chalmers ran the final leg of the mens 4 x 400m for the winning Guernsey team on Friday afternoon. (ROB CURRIE)
Games Director Julia Bowditch said that the many hundreds of volunteers, all of sponsors, the local and visiting athletes, the thousands of spectators, and the whole community created an incredible week.
“Together, we all made the Games possible,” she said.
“We started with a bold, but realistic, vision, and we have delivered a showstopper. There were setbacks along the way, but we stayed focused on the big picture, and the result is that the whole island came alive in this celebration of sport and culture.
“I must acknowledge the huge amount of hard work put in by hundreds of volunteers. Guernsey2023 only had three salaried members of staff, so it was overwhelmingly run by volunteers who were always willing to roll up their sleeves to help.
Pictured: The atmosphere in the pool was electric. (ROB CURRIE)
“Support from sponsors and the business community has also been crucial. Even during the tough times, the financial help from sponsors has been unrelenting. Everyone involved in Guernsey2023 should be feeling a sense of mission achieved.”
Ms Bowditch said they always wanted the 2023 Games to have a legacy which was behind a lot of the organisation of the various sports.
“The tagline of Guernsey2023 was ‘inspiring islanders’ because it was important to us to leave an enduring legacy. I hope that Guernsey2023 will be a catalyst, it should be a starting line, not the finish line,” she said.
Games Deputy Director Emma Beardsell said that young people had been at the heart of the majority of their planning.
Pictured: Children were seen at most venues this week.
“In the run up to the Games, a lot of work was carried out in schools to get the pupils excited. The pupils responded brilliantly, and it has been a joy to see the engagement of the primary schools in particular and their enthusiasm when supporting teams from all member islands. The children have brought a lot of the magic and fun, and the noise.
“We’ve always said that the Games had to endure after 14 July, it is more than just six days of sport. We’ve provided a tangible legacy for future sporting superstars. Somewhere in the crowds of spectators were the Alastair Chalmers and Megan Chapples of the future. We’ve also shown young people that sport isn’t just about elite competition, it underpins friendships and connections. Through sport, people can lead happier and healthier lives.
“Guernsey2023 has shown people the best of Guernsey. I hope the legacy of the Games has only just begun.”
That ethos was echoed throughout Games week by the schools and nurseries which took children to watch events, the Health Improvement Commission which wanted to create a ‘family friendly Games’ and the Traffic and Highways Services which wanted to encourage ‘active travel’ where possible.
Pictured: Bikes were seen all over the island this week. (ROB CURRIE)
Many families watched different sports together.
In total there were 14 sports to choose from across 25 venues. More than 2,000 athletes took part from 24 islands.
Most islands travelled with their own media reporters and island officials.
Communications and Events Director Amanda Hibbs said it all helped to create a spectacular and unforgettable Games.
“It’s been overwhelming to see how the island has embraced this Games and the sporting and cultural talent on display. Venues were packed, spectators had a fantastic experience, and local businesses felt the economic benefits. It was a Games made in Guernsey because we used local suppliers wherever we could.
“Our live updates were very popular and were streamed around the world. Guernsey2023 was the most connected Games ever. We were ambitious and it paid off.
“Along with the amazing sporting moments, the event will be remembered for the way the people of the island embraced it, creating a welcoming, electric atmosphere that spurred on the athletes to reach new heights.
Pictured: On the last day of competition, Guernsey’s Alice Hunt came 5th in the High Jump with 1.6m – just 0.08m behind the gold and silver winners, and the same height as the bronze winner – the results were decided on countbacks.
“It’s been a privilege to see the amazing programme give the island an opportunity to come together and celebrate the amazing athletes. Everyone rose brilliantly to the challenges and together we hosted an unforgettable and memorable experience. The success of Guernsey2023 is testament to a lot of hard work by an incredibly dedicated team.”
Ms Bowditch said it is an experience she will never forget.
“It has been an honour to be Games director. I have always been proud of my island, and right now I’ve never felt prouder of Guernsey. There is something incredibly special about the Island Games, it’s where dreams can start. It’s a relief to see that post-Covid, the Games movement remains as strong as ever”