Press Release
Host Island for 2013 - Bermuda
Publication Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2008
From left Bermuda sports minister El James, IGA Legal Adviser Geoff Karran, Isle of Man, Bermuda IGA's chairman Jon Beard and chairman Jörgen Pettersson, Åland. (Photo: Bob Kerr)
The membership of the International Island Games Association have unanimously chosen Bermuda as the host island for the Island Games in 2013. It will be the first time this growing event will take place on the other side of the Atlantic. Delegates from the 23 of the 25 Member Islands attended the AGM in the Parliament building in Mariehamn, Aland, Saturday 28th June and heard the presentation from the Bid Committee of Bermuda, the only bidding island since Prince Edward Island decided to withdraw their bid earlier this year. IGA Chairman, Jorgen Pettersson, said that although Bermuda did not have any opposition for the Bid to Host 2013 Island Games they will still have to deliver a great Games. One of the IGA Executive’s concerns regarding the bid from Bermuda is the cost of living on the island as this is high compared with most of the other Member Islands and travel and accommodation could turn out to be more expensive than envisaged. However the Executive are sure the organisers realise the impact this will have and will make sure there are several options regarding accommodation. IGA Chairman Jorgen Pettersson commented "The Bid Committee of Bermuda has made it clear that they are delivering various options in order to offer the visiting islands alternatives by way of accommodation". When the Island Games moves on to Bermuda it will be the first time the event is held outside Europe. Jorgen Pettersson: "This is great! We organise the competition to encourage young and old competitors to learn more about other islands and other cultures. This is another step in building bridges between insular societies and Bermuda will offer world class sporting venues.” The Chairman of Bermuda Island Games Association Mr. Jon Beard comments: "We are pleased and honoured to have been awarded the Island Games for 2013. We are ready for the challenge that this award brings. As a tourist destination we look forward to accommodating the increased numbers the Games will bring and will continue to work with all of the Islands to ensure that the Bermuda Games is a wonderful experience for them all". Elvin James JPMP Minister of Sport and the Environment of Bermuda commented: "On behalf of the Government of Bermuda we thank IGA Executive Committee and Delegates for choosing Bermuda to host the 2013 Island Games. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing with you our pink sand beaches, extraordinarily pleasant weather and a distinctive landscape. We love our island whole heartedly and we know you will love it too." For more information contact IGA Chairman, Jorgen Pettersson via mobile +3584573135640.
