MAKING ISLAND AROUND T FRIENDSHIPS
In July 2025, Orkney will play host to the International Island Games — an event which will welcome over 2,000 competitors and officials from across the world to the Scottish islands.
The biggest event Orkney has ever hosted, the games will bring together athletes from 24 island groups to compete in 12 sports: archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, lawn bowls, sailing, squash, swimming and triathlon.
Awarded by the International Island Games Association (IIGA), the biennial event has been hosted by islands across the globe, such as Bermuda, Rhodes, Gotland, Gibraltar, Guernsey and more.
This time around, Orkney has the privilege of hosting the 20th International Island Games in its landmark 40th year since it all began, taking place from July 12-18, next year.
Orkney boasts a rich tapestry of ancient monuments, breathtaking landscapes, and a supportive community that warmly embraces visitors from all corners of the world.
Orkney has a strong sporting tradition, with a wealth of achievements and abundance of talented individuals who have triumphed on national and international stages. The tightknit community has fostered a love for various athletic endeavours, teamwork and of course, competition.
Locals and visitors alike can expect a week filled with excitement and flare, from the grand opening and closing ceremonies, to the adrenalin of watching high-performing athletes, to the joy of meeting and getting snapped with the beloved Ola the Orca, the games are not to be missed.
Orkney 2025 games chairman Gordon Deans said: “It really is all about community. From the athletes, to the spectators, from the volunteers to the sponsors.
“Everyone is coming together with a shared goal of creating something truly remarkable and memorable here in Orkney.
“Lifelong locals are joining forces with people from across the globe to make the games a great success, and put on a spectacle for the whole world to enjoy.”
Over 700 games-time volunteers are required to ensure that the games are a success, and organisers are appealing to the public of Orkney and anyone visiting during the games, who already has accommodation, to register to volunteer.
“I strongly urge anyone who can, to volunteer for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to be part of something special.
“We have such a wide variety of roles to fill and we know there is so much experience and skills within the community to fulfil those — there really is something for everyone to get involved,” said Gordon.
“Many local businesses that are able to, are supporting their employees to volunteer for the duration of the event, an exemplar of the Orcadian community spirit that will make this games such a huge success.”
Taking the lead on ceremonies, is volunteer Bev Clubley, an Orkney resident who values community and togetherness above everything else.
With a long career as a head teacher, Bev thrives in leadership roles, and her wealth of experience in theatre and drama is the perfect background to putting on a spectacular show with the opening and closing ceremonies.
Bev said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I had to volunteer to get involved and play a part in showing Orkney as the incredible place it is.
“The impact on the community will be massive and I want it to feel like a celebration of people.
“Volunteering is such an amazing way to get involved with the games, it opens up other avenues other than sports and gives us creatives a chance to be part of it and make it a success!”
Volunteers must be over the age of 16 from July 1, 2025, and applications are open until September 12, 2024.
The 20th Island Games is principally funded by Orkney Islands Council and Eventscotland, supported by sponsors including Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd, West of Orkney Windfarm, Sheila Fleet, and Nirvana Europe, offering varying means of monetary and in-kind support.
A brilliant opportunity to promote Orkney as the perfect host and Scotland as the perfect stage, event organisers are encouraging sponsors to get on board to enable the enormous undertaking to be run at the highest possible standard.
Gordon added: “The games would not be possible without the generous backing from our sponsors.
“The logistics of delivering this event are very complex, and any sponsorship support — whether they be monetary or in kind, with these associated costs are incredibly valuable.”
For all information on the Orkney 2025 Island Games, visit: www.orkney2025.com