Without Effort - No Success!
Sat, 13 Jul 2013
Today is the day for the Opening Ceremony of the NatWest Island Games XV in Bermuda. Expectations are very high and the enthusiasm very real. Thousands of islanders will gather at the National Sports Centre in the capital Hamilton.
The Games that started in the Isle of Man in 1985 has now reached Bermuda. All our Games are unique, but this one is exceptional as it is the first time the International Island Games Family has left Europe behind and travelled over the Atlantic! It has been a challenge, as life itself is every day. By attending the NatWest Island Games 2013 you have all shown that dedication and hard work pay-off. By being in Bermuda you have won your first competition. You have also told your friends from our other islands that you are ready to challenge them in sport and make friends both during and after the competition.
The NatWest Island Games has been creating friendship and developing sport within our Member Islands since 1985. The legacy of hosting the Games can be seen all over the world. Host Islands have built and rebuilt to accommodate our growing Games. In Bermuda we will compete in a new swimming pool in the centre of a top class sporting venue.
On behalf of the International Island Games Executive Committee I hope you enjoy your stay, win your competitions and make life-long friends. Share your stories - the world of today is a place where communication in social forums makes it easy to stay in touch. The NatWest Island Games has brought Islanders together to make Island Life even better.
Follow International Island Games Association on Facebook and Twitter in order to stay updated with the Association and with your friends.
We would like to thank the Organising Committee of NatWest Island Games XV, the Bermuda Island Games Association and the Government of Bermuda for opening their island to their friends. By doing this you are helping all of us to grow as sports people and human beings.
Thank you Bermuda, for your hospitality and willingness to take responsibility for the future of the International Island Games Association. By showing initiative, strength and leadership Bermuda has become the eleventh island in our Membership to host our Games.
Jörgen Pettersson
Chairman
