Latest news with #TeamIsleofWight
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wootton sailor a gold medallist and flag bearer after cancer diagnosis
AN ISLE of Wight sailor who had to spend time away from the water following a cancer diagnosis went on to not only win gold at the Island Games but also become a flag bearer for its closing ceremony. Two years ago, Arthur Farley wanted to compete in the games, but couldn't, after learning he had a rare and life-threatening cancer. But the talented Island sailor didn't let that scupper his dreams — bravely taking it head-on and, as has been a habit throughout his career, winning. Now, he stands as a gold medallist for individual and team in an astonishing display. Read more: Team Isle of Wight notch up 11 medals on day to remember Island Games: How Team Isle of Wight fared on day 4 in Orkney He's also been commended for his outstanding contribution in support of other sports; a very proud moment for the 21-year-old. Arthur, of Wootton, was tipped for a bright future in Laser sailing as a teenager — winning national and European titles, with a world accolade and a successful step up to senior level firmly in his sights. Isle of Wight sailor battling cancer for Olympics dream He had climbed the UK's youth rankings to the pinnacle, then up to youth Olympic level, after he won the Europeans in 2022. But underlying it all, Arthur's health was gradually and very seriously deteriorating. He was suffering with a rare and chronic type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — hairy cell leukaemia — a disease which only affects a handful of under-35s in the UK each year.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Everything you need to know for Day 3 at the International Island Games 2025
SPIRITS are high and anticipation is building for what promises to be another thrilling day of sport as Team Isle of Wight heads into the third day of competition at the International Island Games. With medals already on the table and momentum firmly on their side, the team is poised to take on a packed schedule of events across the island. This morning sees the swimmers make their long-awaited debut in the pool, diving into the heats across a variety of races. For the women, the events include the 100m Butterfly, the 50m breaststroke, and the 200m Freestyle. The men will be competing in the 100m breaststroke and 50m backstroke. Later in the session, the team will also be in action for the 4x50m women's freestyle relay and the men's 4x50m medley relay. With supporters lining the poolside and teammates watching eagerly, the swimmers will be pushing hard for spots in this evening's finals. Updates will follow throughout the day as the results come in. Elsewhere, the cycling competition also begins today, with Team Isle of Wight riders tackling their first time trials on Orkney's scenic and challenging routes. Meanwhile, the island's golfers are set to tee off in their opening round matches, hoping for a calm and consistent start on the fairways as they begin their quest for Island Games success. In team sports, the women's footballers are back in action with a high-stakes clash against Bermuda. After their dramatic 2-2 draw and penalty shootout victory earlier in the week, confidence is running high within the squad. Today's match promises to be a competitive one, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand in the group. On the badminton courts, Team Isle of Wight faces a tough test against the host island, Orkney. With a home crowd behind them, Orkney will be a challenging opponent, but the Isle of Wight team are determined to respond strongly following their mixed results on day one. Out on the water, the sailing team returns after a spectacular start yesterday which saw them lead the pack. With winds expected to pick up today, conditions could be tricky, but Team Isle of Wight is known for adapting quickly and racing smart. Another strong performance will help cement their position at the top of the standings heading into the middle of the competition week. The athletics team also has another busy day ahead, buoyed by the silver medal success from Amy Kelland in yesterday's 10,000m final. Holly Whitter is set to compete in the javelin this afternoon, bringing her strength and precision to the field. Meanwhile, Sophie McCallum returns to the track for the semi-finals of the women's 100m. After a stunning run in yesterday's heats where she beat her personal best, Sophie will be looking to carry that momentum into today's race and secure a place in the final. With events spread across pool, track, court, course and sea, Team Isle of Wight continues to showcase its breadth of talent and fierce competitive spirit. Today's schedule is packed, and the excitement is palpable. Whatever the result, this is shaping up to be another proud and powerful day for the Isle of Wight at the International Island Games.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Isle of Wight athletics coach selected as official for Island Games 2025
THERE cannot be too many churchwardens who have taken part in the Island Games over its 40 years, but Isle of Wight athletics coach Deborah Percy will be heading to Orkney as a track official. "I'm honoured to have been invited to join the officiating team for the 2025 Island Games in Orkney, serving as a 'starter' — the official responsible for starting races — a role I've proudly held at international level," said Deborah, of Bonchurch. Her journey in athletics began in her youth as a junior sprinter for Great Britain. After raising her children, Deborah re-entered the sport through coaching and officiating. Deborah Percy and international discus thrower son, Nick (Image: Deborah Percy) She now coaches sprints across both mainstream athletics and Special Olympics and Sporting Opportunities. Her son, Nick Percy, is an international discus thrower based on the Island, and a multi-Scottish record holder who represented Great Britain at the Paris Olympics last year. He also has a strong connection to the Island Games, having won discus gold in Gibraltar in 2019. "My officiating journey began out of necessity," adds Deborah. "Living on an island, we often face shortages of qualified officials, so I stepped in — initially just to help, but soon discovered a deep passion for it. "Since then, I've become a versatile official — working across start lines, track and field events. "This flexibility is essential when organising meets on the Island, where resources can be limited." As well as her involvement in sport, Deborah serves as a churchwarden for St Boniface Churches in Bonchurch. Read more: Team of nine talented swimmers aiming to make splash at Island Games 2025 Week of sporting drama and dreams set to be created by Team Isle of Wight Isle of Wight women's football team aiming high for medal success in Orkney Optimism golfers will bring home medals from Orkney "Being of service — whether in sport or in my village — is something I hold close to my heart," she said. Her role as an official has taken her across the country, from local disability meets and wheelchair races to national championships. She has officiated at previous Island Games on the Isle of Wight, as well as in Jersey and Guernsey. "These Island Games are more than just a sporting competition — they are a vital stepping stone for many athletes, as they prepare to enter the international arena," Deborah said. "I am thankful for this opportunity. "I'm thrilled to be part of this celebration of island sport and community."
