Almost 100 of the best and brightest athletes from Ynys Mon are heading out to Gibraltar today to compete in the 2019 NatWest International Island Games Competition.
The bi-annual competition, commonly referred to as a mini-Olympics for the small islands of the world, takes place in Gibraltar this year and includes a host of sports from track and field to badminton to swimming and much more.
Some of the biggest names in sport have found their grounding in the Games, such as Isle of Man cycling superstar Mark Cavendish who is one of eight Games athletes that has gone on to compete in the Olympics. Ynys Mon have been competing since the Games began back in 1985.
Back in 2017, Ynys Mon won one gold medal, four silvers and four bronzes out in Gotland who hosted two years ago.
The Games are a fantastic platform for competitors to test themselves on the international stage and Ynys Mon are looking forward to seeing how their athletes – many of whom were competing in the Games for the first time out in Gotland – have developed and progressed in the last two years.
David Tommis, Ynys Mon Island Games Association Chairman said:
“We are really looking forward to arriving in Gibraltar and competing in the 2019 NatWest International Island Games. This is a very exciting time for sport on Ynys Mon already, but to have our best and brightest athletes heading out to compete in a wide range of sports representing our island on the international stage over the next week or so only adds to that.
“This is going to be a hugely beneficial week for everyone involved in the 2019 Games and we look forward to our athletes fully taking advantage of the experience and creating memories and friendships that will last long after this summer’s Games conclude.”