Latest news with #Orkney2025
The National
3 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Orkney ready to shine as Island Games return to Scotland
So says Robbie Fraser, a member of the organising board for Orkney 2025 – the 20th edition of the Island Games, a biannual multi-sport competition that you could describe as the Olympics of small island communities. While attention in Scotland has been led towards the return of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2026 – 12 years after the 2014 games – Scotland has waited since the 2005 event in Shetland to see the return of this particular tournament, which will feature 24 teams competing across 12 sports. That edition was when a 20-year love affair with the Games began for Fraser: 'We went to Shetland in 2005 and that was a real eye-opener for me of the effects the Games can have on a smaller community – much less of a population than Guernsey [the hosts of the first Games he attended in 2003]. READ MORE: Music therapy strikes a chord in care, schools and hospitals across Scotland 'The whole place was absolutely buzzing about the Games and since then I've been hooked.' When Fraser first began attending the Island Games – and he has been a fixture at each one since 2003 – he was a reporter for BBC Orkney. He says: 'It was absolutely brilliant because, being a reporter, if you're with a team then you're kind of installed with them, you're almost part of the team.' As Fraser's career wound down, he saw an opportunity to move from observer to organiser. 'I met so many good friends in it [the Island Games] and I was aware that I was going to be retired soon. 'I wouldn't be able to go to the Games forever, and I wanted to be more connected to it.' He joined the Orkney Island Games Committee as vice-chair in 2013 and travelled to that year's event in Bermuda as team manager, where he has fond memories of the team winning a bronze medal in the team half marathon. He then helped lead the efforts to bring the Games to the island group off Scotland's north coast. With the support of the Government and local MSP Liam McArthur, among others, Orkney won the bid to host in 2023, which was moved back to this year after Guernsey was forced to postpone the 2021 edition due to Covid. (Image: Andrew Milligan) McArthur says: 'Having chaired the committee that successfully bid for the Games, I'm obviously delighted that Orkney will be playing host to the International Island Games this summer. 'It's a perfect opportunity to showcase what our islands have to offer while providing a stage for high-class sporting competition and talent.' In terms of population, it is the smallest island to host the event yet, with the Isle of Wight the largest. As much as Fraser stresses the friendliness of the event – in which crowds will cheer on athletes no matter where they come from – he is just as keen to point out that the competition between athletes is fierce: 'Don't be thinking that the competition isn't intense – it's really intense. 'It's dedicated athletes that are competing.' He's not wrong. A young Mark Cavendish cut his teeth in the Island Games before embarking on one of the finest cycling careers of all time. Several other islanders have earned medals at Olympics and world championships over the years. One of Orkney's star athletes is Taylah Paterson, a sprinter who has run for Scotland and competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Yet nothing really compares to getting to run for her island on home soil: 'For us islanders, it's almost like the Olympics. 'So when we had the bid to get it at home, the excitement was building that it could come to Orkney. 'The Games are extremely competitive but also really friendly – I've made friends for life competing at these Games.' This year she is targeting the Island Games 100m record, as her existing personal best is already faster. 'When I go away to compete they're always amazed that I come from the island – usually your best athletes come from the central belt area where the best facilities are. 'I've always been proud to wear an Orkney vest and it'll be really special to do it in front of our home crowd – it's fine going away and competing but it'll be nice to compete in front of friends and family and show them what I can do!' This unique pride in being an islander is right at the heart of what the Island Games is about. Fraser adds: 'Islands tend to be very self sufficient, very independent – very aware of their own identities. 'Here in Orkney, we consider ourselves Orcadian first, Scottish second and – if you want to – British third. 'We've got so much in common with the other islands – some are bigger, some are wealthier, but we're all just the same when we get together.' Paterson echoes Fraser's thoughts: 'If somebody asks where you're from you'll always say 'I'm from the Orkney islands … in Scotland'. 'You'll always say Orkney first. 'We know from being from an island it's unique, we're a close community up here, we're proud to be from here, and we want to shout about it when we can.' (Image: PA) Pride, friendliness and competition – they are the three main thrusts of the Island Games and they are the three things that come up again and again. Fraser says: 'We tend to be quite a quiet people, we don't tend to make a big song and dance about things, but this is our one chance. 'We've got great hospitality and I just can't wait to give that to everybody. 'It's our chance to say, 'Look, we're here, come and enjoy it.'' MSP McArthur adds: 'Each Island Games reflects the unique characteristics of the host island, but all share the same ability to bring islanders together, allowing friendships and ties to be formed and deepened – it's little wonder they're known as the Friendly Games. 'I have no doubt that Orkney will put on the best Games yet and allow all those attending, whether competing or supporting, to create many more special memories.'
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Princess Royal to open Orkney's Island Games in July
The Princess Royal will officially open the 20th International Island Games in Orkney this summer. Princess Anne will attend the opening of the week-long event at Kirkwall's Bignold Park on 12 will join TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who will be hosting the ceremony in her role as Games Ambassador. About 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups will be competing in 12 sports including football, athletics, archery and swimming. It is the first time in their history that Orkney has hosted the Island islands include Shetland and the Western Isles with other athletes coming from as far away as the Falkland Islands, Greenland and the Caribbean. Kirsty Talbot, director of Orkney 2025, said: "We are incredibly honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to Orkney to open the 20th International Island Games."She added that anticipation was now "ramping up" for an event which could "showcase the vibrant spirit and culture" of the area.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Medals for 2025 Island Games in Orkney are unveiled
The medals for the Orkney Island Games have been revealed with 100 days to go until the event 12–18 July, Orkney will welcome about 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups to compete in 12 marks the first time Orkney has hosted the Games in its 40-year history, making it a landmark occasion for the islands and the biggest sporting event in its hosted the event for the third time in 2023, and will be sending a team to Orkney alongside Jersey, Alderney and Sark. The 20th International Island Games will bring together athletes to compete in a wide variety of disciplines. Orkney is gearing up to host athletes, coaches, and spectators from dozens of island nations, creating an event that is as much about community and camaraderie as it is about 100 days to go until the Games begin, the medals that will be presented to each winning athlete have been Orkney and Orkney 2025 ran a competition for the design of the medals and ribbon. Judges picked islander Jodie Brown's standing stones medal design to feature on all 1,272 medals presented at Orkney 2025. They show Orkney's Standing Stones of Stenness, which are believed to be older than Stonehenge and an iconic island Brown, aged 23 from Kirkwall, will receive her own commemorative set and present a medal during the Games. She said the Neolithic stones depicted represent first, second and third in each competition as well as the Orkney's rich history. The ribbon design was won by Olivia Yorston, whose striking concept represents the flag colours of Orkney and features all the official Island Games logos. The medals have been sponsored by Orkney jewellery designer, Sheila Talbot, director of Orkney 2025, said: "Orkney is a thriving hub for creatives, attracting artists, writers, musicians, and craftspeople from across the globe. "With only 100 days to go until we welcome the world, excitement is building and we are very much looking forward to creating positive memories which will last a lifetime." Gordon Deans, chairman of Orkney 2025, said staging the Games had been a logistical challenge."The Games is supported by principle funders the Scottish Government and Orkney Island Council, and would not be possible without the incredible efforts of the Orkney community," he said."Over 800 volunteers have stepped forward to take on vital roles, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators. "Their dedication showcases the warmth and hospitality that make Orkney such a special place." The Games kick off with an opening ceremony and athletes' parade in Kirkwall on Saturday 12 July, hosted by Lorraine Kelly. Highlights include the triathlon in Stromness, cycling road races through the West Mainland, and the half marathon in Kirkwall. The opening ceremony and sporting events are free and open for all to attend.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Medals for International Island Games in Orkney unveiled
The medals for the first International Island Games to be held in Orkney will feature an image of the islands' famous standing stones. Jodie Brown, 23, from Kirkwall, designed the medals and won a competition to see them brought to life. The winning blueprint was picked by Orkney jeweller Sheila Fleet who described it as "iconic". Hundreds of athletes from island groups around the world are expected to descend on Orkney in July for the biennial sports event. "Jodie has created a very iconic design with so much that symbolises Orkney's rich cultural heritage," Ms Fleet said."The hollow circle stands for Orkney and the presence of the iconic standing stones."As a medal it has great impact." Kirsty Talbot, the director of Orkney 2025, added: "It is extremely fitting that the medals designed for the athletes celebrate Orkney's iconic landscape and will be a perfect tribute to the winning athletes who compete in our games."Presenter Lorraine Kelly will host the opening ceremony of the Games, which run from 12-18 athletics, badminton, bowls, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming and the triathlon will is only the second time the games has been hosted in Scotland. Orkney is one of the smallest group of islands in terms of population to have ever hosted the Island Games, which started in last Island Games were held in Guernsey in 2023.
