Island Games 2011 - The Isle of Wight Bid

The Isle of Wight Island Games association have submitted a bid for 2011 games to be hosted here. The bid is widely supported not only by the association but also the Isle of Wight Council, the Rt. Honourable Richard Caborn MP (Minister for sport) and local sporting hero's such as double olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson.

The bid document is available in full here (.pdf format) and extracts from the document are given below.

"The Isle of Wight has been an enthusiastic member of the International Island Games since the inaugural Games were held in the Isle of Man in 1985. We have also been participants in the World Youth Games since their inception.

In 1993 we were proud to host the Island Games and were rewarded with the presence and support of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The wonderful week of competition and almost unbroken sunshine left an indelible mark on The Isle of Wight and we now seek again the honour of hosting the Games.

Since 1993 our sports facilities have increased substantially and all of the proposed venues are, or shortly will be, up to international or Governing Body standards. There is a long history of sailing in the Isle of Wight waters and we have hosted the European and British Windsurfing Championships, the Special Olympics for the Disabled, World Beach Volleyball, major football tournaments and cycling events as well as the largest Extreme Sports competition in Europe.

My Association is confident that we can provide a memorable Games in 2011 if our bid is successful and the strong support given to us by the Minister of Sport in Her Majesty’s Government and by Sport England is a clear indication of how important the international Island Games are seen as a precursor to the 2012 Olympic Games in London."

David Ball
Chairman - Isle of Wight Island Games Association

"As the Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council I am totally committed to promote the Island far and wide. Therefore, I support the Island Games Association’s bid to host the 2011 Island Games.

We, the Isle of Wight, have taken part in every Games since 1985; our previous honour as host Island was in 1993. There are excellent sporting facilities throughout the Isle of Wight supported by first class accommodation and highly efficient transport communications between event centres, backed up by a very strong and competent organisational team, many of whom have the necessary sports background.

I believe that the people of this Island deserve the pleasure of this international but friendly meeting, fuelled by the competitiveness between participants from the many islands involved, and look forward to lasting acquaintanceships."

John Effemey
Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council

"I have watched the growth and success of the Island Games with interest over recent years and they are now well established and recognised as a high quality sporting event.

Should the Island be successful in the bidding process next year the sporting aspirations of youngsters will be raised and the Island Games would provide a springboard for achievement in the sports included.

On behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, I am pleased to give the Isle of Wight Island Games Association our full support and very much look forward to hearing of a successful outcome to the bid next summer."

The Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP
Minister for Sport