Ynys Môn’s bid to host the International Island Games on the island in 2025 was given another significant boost this week as the International Island Games Association (IIGA) Executive Committee confirmed the Welsh island’s status as preferred bidders to host what is dubbed as a Mini Olympics in six years’ time.
In the IIGA Annual General Meeting out in Gibraltar yesterday (Tuesday July 9th), Ynys Môn’s status was confirmed by the Executive Committee to the island’s 2025 Bid Committee. There is still some work to be done before Ynys Môn are confirmed as official hosts for the 2025 Games, but this is an important step forward for the Bid Committee.
Speaking today (Wednesday July 10th) following further discussions with the IIGA, Ynys Mon 2025 Bid Committee Chair Gareth Parry discussed the announcement and the next steps for the island’s bid to host the Games.
“This morning we were meeting with the Island Games Executive following the AGM yesterday morning where Ynys Mon were announced as the preferred hosts for 2025. This morning was a chance for us to have extended discussions with the Executive Committee about the next steps in our bid.
“Preferred hosts doesn’t necessarily mean that we are committed yet as the hosts for 2025, but we have 12 months now to show the Island Games Executive and the extended family that we are capable of hosting these games.
“The next step for us now will be an official inspection of accommodation and our sporting facilities this Autumn, and if we get through that stage then we’ll be producing our final bid document in March of next year, prior to presenting our bid to the islands in Guernsey next summer.
“I genuinely think that having had a successful football tournament recently has aided us in securing status as preferred hosts for 2025, but having said that and following this morning’s discussions we still have a lot of work to do on the island to get us over the line. We’ll need everyone on the island to get involved and support us over the next 12 months gain to make sure we get this over the line.”