Gotland to stage island games in 2017

Gotland will stage the NatWest Island Games in 2017, the second time the Swedish island has been awarded the privilege.

The decision was taken by the International Island Games Association (IIGA) at its annual general meeting on Saturday, held during the preview visit to 2013 games host Bermuda.

Gotland first hosted the event in 1999 after NatWest became the title sponsorship of the IIGA. IIGA executive committee chairman Jorgen Pettersson said: “Gotland is an island well known for its passion for sport. They have the knowledge, and enthusiasm as well as the venues and accommodation to deliver a great games.”

Gotland bid committee chairman Bo Frykenstam, himself a former IGA chairman, said: “What a feeling to bring the games home to Gotland once again. It means a lot for the sports on Gotland and indeed for the whole of Gotland to host this multi-sport event in 2017.”

Saturday’s meeting also agreed to replace the current bidding system to one of negotiation to decide the hosts of future events. “I believe this is the way forward,” Mr Pettersson said. “In the present worldwide financial situation we do not need costly campaigns and battles between friends.”

During their preview visit to Bermuda the member islands representatives visited the sports facilities, infrastructure and accommodation to be used for the games next summer.

The 15th NatWest Island Games will take place in Bermuda from 13th to 19th July 2013 and will be the eighth event with NatWest as the title sponsor. Jersey will stage the 2015 games.