Island Games 2027 - New Hosts
Fri, 22 Dec 2023
22 December 2023 14.00 GMT
PLANS FOR YNYS MÔN TO HOST THE 2027 ISLAND GAMES POSTPONED – FAROE ISLANDS READY TO STEP IN
The Ynys Môn Island Games Association and the Organising Committee of the Island Games 2027, in conjunction with the Executive Committee (EC) on behalf of the International Island Games Association (IIGA), have agreed that the 2027 Games cannot be held in Ynys Môn.
This decision stems from several factors, many of them resulting from the -pandemic and the necessary measures taken by the Council of Ynys Môn and the Welsh Government due to the pressure on public sector finances.
Gareth Parry, Chair of the Ynys Mon Organising Committee:
“We are extremely disappointed to have come to the difficult decision that we are not in a position to host the Island Games in 2027. The impact of the pandemic and other incidents across the world over recent years have had a devastating effect on the current financial climate in Ynys Môn and Wales. We had secured enough funding when submitting our Bid prior to covid with support from the Local Authority, the Charitable Trust and Welsh Government, but a recent review of the budget highlighted a significant funding gap that we are unable to meet in the current financial climate. Over seven years of hard work has gone into getting us to this position, and though we are extremely disappointed, the risks involved with continuing at this present time are too high. However, we and our partners are as committed as ever to bring these fantastic Games to Ynys Môn and will review our position on an annual basis with a view of putting ourselves forward again as soon as is practicable.”
Chair of the IIGA Jorgen Pettersson comments:
“The IIGA fully understands that the world has changed since Ynys Môn made its original bid in 2018. Rising costs and general cutbacks are challenging for everyone. The IIGA appreciates the openness of the Ynys Mon team and their approach to allowing the Executive to seek a replacement host and providing sufficient time to achieve this. The IIGA looks forward to Ynys Môn coming forward with a new bid at a future date”.
David Tommis, Chair of the Ynys Môn IGA:
“It is with great disappointment that the Ynys Môn Island Games Association has to announce that we have had to withdraw from hosting the Island Games in 2027 due to reasons beyond our control. I sincerely hope that this Island will be able to host this fantastic event in the future.”
Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams, said:
“Like all our partners, we’re naturally very disappointed, but entirely understand this decision. Times have changed and there are significant financial implications associated with hosting such a prestigious sporting event.”
PREFERRED BIDDER FOR 2031 READY TO STEP IN FOR 2027
It was agreed at the 2023 AGM in Guernsey that the Faroe Islands would be the preferred bidder for the 2031 Games. The Faroe Islands had also expressed an interest to step in earlier if an opportunity arose.
The Faroe Islands have now as a result been designated by the EC as the preferred bidder for 2027 and following the submission of a formal bid and an inspection visit by the IIGA, the final approval of the Member Islands will be sought in Orkney at the AGM in the summer. The Faroe Islands have hosted the event before in 1989 when the Island Games organised its third Games, after the Isle of Man and Guernsey.
Jorgen Pettersson, comments the decision will not only affect the 24 Member Islands but also the sporting communities worldwide:
”On behalf of the Member Islands we thank the Faroe Islands for offering to bring forward their Bid for 2031 in order to Host the competition in 2027 which will be the 21st Island Games; the first Games having been held in the Isle of Man in 1985 and it would also be the second time the Games will be held in Faroes. This is the way the Island Games family works. We share success, and we share challenges”.
Aksel V. Johannesen, Prime Minister of Faroe Island, comments:
“The Island Games will reach the Faroe Islands a bit earlier than expected. However, we will be all set and excited to welcome the Island Games Family in 2027. Let's hope the Games will be a big success and create lasting memories for everyone. Next we will dive into the preparations with sleeves rolled up, fully committed”.
The Faroe Islands has a sporting community with a proactive attitude towards all international competition:
Elin Heðinsdóttir Joensen, Chair of the Faroe Islands IGA and President of The Faroese Confederation of Sports and Olympic Committee comments:
"We are sorry to hear that Ynys Môn had to defer their plans for 2027 but we are also happy on behalf of Faroese sport and our Island Games Association to be able to offer our services as a Host Island. We are ready and feel a massive support from the Faroese community. Together we want to show that the Islands Games in 2027 are in safe hands".
The 20th Island Games will be held in Orkney in 2025 and the Isle of Man, the birthplace of the Games, is ready to host in 2029.
For further comments:
Chair Jorgen Pettersson, iga@manx.net
Elin Heðinsdóttir Joensen, Chair of the Faroe Islands IGA and President of The Faroese Confederation of Sports and Olympic Committee elin@isf.fo
Gareth Parry, Chair, 2027 Ynys Mon Organising Committee ynysmon2025@gmail.com
