Isle of Wight Council is wishing good luck to more than 150 athletes who
will shortly be flying to Finland to represent the Isle of Wight in the
2009 NatWest Island Games.
Team Isle of Wight will be competing on the island of Aland in a variety
of sports including swimming, golf, football, badminton, table tennis
and sailing.
The competition, which begins on 27 June, is very important not only for
the athletes, but also for representatives from the Isle of Wight as the
2011 competition will be held here.
At the 2007 NatWest Island Games held in Rhodes in Greece, the Isle of
Wight finished 13th in the medal table, winning six gold, two silver and
five bronze medals.
Isle of Wight Council Chief Executive Steve Beynon said "I want to wish
everyone travelling to Aland the best of luck. The whole of the Isle of
Wight are behind the team and I look forward to following the progress
of our athletes.
Team Isle of Wight will fly to Finland on 26 June. The games will be
officially handed over to the Isle of Wight during the closing ceremony,
part of which will see the Isle of Wight give a carnival display.