Western Isles

THE WESTERN Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA) has announced its squad for the NatWest Island Games to be held in Sweden this summer.

The week-long, international event is being hosted by Gotland, one of the 24 member islands, between June 24 and 30.

WIIGA will take a squad of 90 people including athletes, coaches, management and a medical team.

In athletics, school pupils Sian Macdonald and DJ Macmillan earn their place alongside games veterans Eilidh Mackenzie, Eve Carrington and Donnie Macleod.

In cycling, Kerry Macphee will be defending her two MTB titles. She will be teaming up again with her sister Kirsty who will also be competing on the road for the first time.

Newcomer Stuart Ashley from Scalpay also joins the road team.

In women’s football, the squad has two debutants in Nicolson Institute pupils Shana Macphail and Mary Macleod.

It also includes 15 players with previous experience, nine of which have been playing regular competitive football at college or university over the winter. Beth Macleod reached the British Universities finals with Edinburgh University.

The games give island athletes a chance to compete at a high level international event, which will be one of the biggest multi-sports events in this year’s global sporting calendar.

The Gotland organisers are expecting more than 3,000 athletes to participate. For a full list of athletes and personnel visit http:// www.welovestornoway.com/ index. php/ 6462- islandgames-squad-is-announced.