Another chapter will be added to Ynys Môn’s rich sporting heritage this summer as officials have confirmed the Inter-Island Games Basketball competition will take place on the island in mid-July.
Organised in collaboration with the Ynys Môn Island Games Association, Isle of Anglesey County Council and Ynys Môn Celts Basketball Club, the Swish Basketball Inter-Island Games will see teams from the likes of the Falkland Islands and Faroe Islands compete in the tournament at Holyhead Leisure Centre from July 21-25.
There will be men’s and women’s tournaments, with Ynys Môn represented in both, and 11 teams will take part in total, with rosters from Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man joining the Falklands, Faroes and Ynys Môn in action.
With 50% of children in Wales playing basketball, the game is the most in-demand team sport in Wales according to Sports Wales’ 2022 School Sports Survey.
The island has a rich history in basketball with the Ynys Môn Celts having produced countless Wales National team players over its 40-year history and organisers hope the tournament will inspire the island’s younger generations to live more healthy and active lifestyles through the sport.
Swish Basketball’s Siôn Parry — a former British Basketball League champion with the Chester Jets and product of the Ynys Môn Celts programme — will serve as Director of the Tournament alongside a dedicated group of volunteers.
Parry, born and raised on the island, will also coach the Ynys Môn Men’s team and brings a wealth of experience to the competition overall as he has played and coached in several Island Games competitions previously.
“Basketball has given me so much, and it all started here on Ynys Môn,” Parry said.
“Hosting a tournament of this scale on the island is a huge moment, not just for the players competing, but for the next generation watching from the stands.
“I hope this inspires young athletes to pick up a ball, chase their dreams, and see that anything is possible — whether that’s representing their island, their country, or even playing at the highest levels.”
Ynys Môn County Council Leader, Councillor Gary Pritchard, said:
“Every coach and athlete who has helped grow and develop basketball on Ynys Môn, over many years, should take great pride in seeing our Island host this prestigious competition.
“Our Môn Actif leisure staff are working in partnership with colleagues from the Ynys Môn Island Games Association to ensure that this event is a success.
“Not only will it once again put Ynys Môn on a world sporting stage, but it will also inspire our young athletes and boost the local economy as we welcome many basketball players from the Island Games family to our Island.
“I’d like to wish the Ynys Môn Island Games Association and the Ynys Môn basketball teams the best of luck for this upcoming home competition.”
Basketball Wales Chief Operating Officer, Gavin Williams, said:
“Basketball Wales is really pleased that this tournament is coming to Wales. It’ll be a great event for Anglesey, the wider North Wales community, and the basketball community as a whole.
“We’re proud to support the tournament this summer by providing officiating support, including referees, table officials, and statisticians. We look forward to a fantastic event and to welcoming teams from across the world to Wales.”
All games will be streamed live on the Basketball Wales, Ynys Môn Celts, and Swish Basketball by Siôn Parry Facebook pages. Fixture and roster information will also be available in advance of the competition on these pages.
Follow Basketball Wales, Ynys Môn Celts, and Swish Basketball by Siôn Parry on Facebook and Instagram to stay locked in to the competition and be sure to head to Holyhead Leisure Centre to show your support for Ynys Môn.