Press Release
Come Back for Gotland 2017
Publication Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2012
People in the photo (Left to Right)
Barbro Wettersen Chairman Gotland Idrottsforbund, James Johnston IIGA Vice Chairman, Ake Svensson Mayor of Gotland, Jorgen Pettersson IIGA Chairman Bob McGinnigle IIGA Treasurer (foreground), Kay Batty IIGA General Secretary
Gotland was awarded the 2017 Island Games by the Membership of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) at their Annual General Meeting. This was held on 14th July during the Preview Visit to Bermuda, Host Island of the NatWest Island Games 2013.
Gotland hosted the first NatWest Island Games in 1999 after NatWest became the Title Sponsor of the IIGA.
Jorgen Pettersson, Chairman of the IIGA Executive Committee: "Gotland is an Island well known for its passion for sport. they have the knowledge and enthusiasm as well as the venues and accommodation to deliver a great Games. Gotland has shown great determination to continue the development of the International Island Games Association."
Bo Frykenstam, Chairman of the Gotland 2017 Bid Committee: "What a feeling to bring the Games home to Gotland once again! It means a lot for the sports on Gotland and indeed for the whole of Gotland to host this multi-sport event in 2017."
Ake Svensson, Mayor of Gotland: "Major events are important for Gotland and our tourism industry. It was a great pleasure to participate in the Annual General Meeting of the IIGA and succeed in bringing the Games to Gotland in 2017. It will be one of many important parts in the constant development of the Island of Gotland."
The Membership also agreed to replace the current bidding system to one of negotiation to decide the Hosts of future Games. "I believe this is the way forward", said IIGA Chairman Jorgen Pettersson, "in the present worldwide financial situation we do not need costly campaign and battles between friends."
During the Preview Visit the Member Islands' representatives visited the sports facilities, infrastructure and accommodation to be used for the NatWest Island Games next summer.
Jon Beard, Chairman of the Bermuda 2013 Organising Committee commented: "The Organising Committee of the 2013 NatWest Island Games had the greatest pleasure in inviting the delegates from our fellow Member Islands, and the IIGA Executive to Bermuda for this Preview Visit. We had a terrrific time and hope that everyone feels the same! We enjoyed sharing our Island with the group; showing them the venues and the scenery. We hope that we have provided the answers to any concerns about our readiness to host the Games, the ability of our sports organisers, the accommodation and travel options, and the friendliness of our people. The visit has energised and focused us still further, and we can't wait for the Games to start!"
The NatWest Island Games XV will take place in Bermuda from 13 - 19 July 2013 and will be the eighth Games with NatWest as the Title Sponsor.
Jerry Whitsey, Head of Products and Marketing, NatWest commented: "With only a year to go excitment is rising around the Island communities as preparations for the next NatWest Island Games begin in earnest. The news from the IIGA AGM is all positive and we are looking forward to a tremendous NatWest Island Games in Bermuda in 2013."
For more information please visit our websites: www.natwestislandgames2013.com and www.iiga.org
or contact either: JOrgen Pettersson, Chairman of the IIGA (+3584573135640), jorgen.pettersson@aland.net or Jon Beard, Chiarman of the Bermuda 2013 Organising Committee (+14415059901) jbeard@saltus.bm
