The International Island Games XX officially got underway yesterday in Orkney, with the Opening Ceremony held in Kirkwall and presided over by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The event marked the beginning of a week of sporting competition involving over 2,000 athletes from 24 islands competing across 12 sports.

Team Gibraltar arrived in Orkney following two days of travel and is now settled in and ready to compete. The 67-strong contingent will participate in Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, and Triathlon.

Accompanying the team is the Minister for Sport, the Hon. Leslie Bruzon, himself a former Island Games athlete:

“As a pistol shooter on the Isle of Man in 2001, I fully understand what the Island Games mean and what they represent. While my role is different this time, I am just as proud to fly the Gibraltar flag.
Watching Team Gibraltar march out at last night’s Opening Ceremony was an emotional and inspiring moment. I wish all our athletes the very best – this is the product of two years of hard work, and I have no doubt they will, as always, excel and make Gibraltar proud.”

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said:

"I join all of Gibraltar in wishing Team Gibraltar all the very best for this edition of the Island Games. I know each and every one of our athletes will work hard to make us all proud of their contribution for Gibraltar.
The very best of luck to all our competitors!"

ENDS