Sports Minister Wayne Scott has hailed the 15th NatWest Island Games as a “resounding success”.Last week’s event saw hosts Bermuda produce their best showing at the biennial Games, capturing 76 medals, including 27 gold, to finish second behind Isle of Man in the medal table.Commenting on the success of local athletes, Minister Scott said: “Hats off to all the athletes who achieved so many great performances.“I think this is the highest medal count we’ve had in the Island Games, so credit to all the athletes. Our athletes really performed well and I salute all of them.”The Minister also saluted local Games’ organisers for their part in making the Games successful.“It was a resounding success and I think we in Bermuda hit it out of the park,” he said.“This was a very organised event, so kudos to Jon Beard (Bermuda NatWest Island Games Chairman) and his team.”The Minister said Bermuda exceeded expectations in accommodating and making visiting athletes and spectators feel welcomed.“I think we went above and above the call of duty hosting the Island Games and these sort of things go a long way with our visitors,” he said.“Bermuda has truly rolled out the red carpet and I think this will pay dividends.”Government invested a million dollars of taxpayer’s money into hosting the Games, money Minister Scott says was “well spent”.“It was money well spent,” he stressed. “The budget for the overall Games was a couple of million dollars and Government put in a million dollars so corporate sponsorship and everything else played a big part of that as well.“It’s definitely money well spent for Bermuda and I think the community as a whole will benefit from this.”Based on the success of the Games, the Minister had no doubts Bermuda will host the event again in the future.“I don’t think it will be a question that we will get the Games again,” he said. “I think we just really need to use this and grow from strength to strength because sports can unify the community.”Shadow Sports Minister Michael Weeks said: “Bermuda's athletes continue to prove that our little Island through hard work, discipline and character can compete on the world stage. We must commend and support all of the athletes who represented us in fine fashion at the NatWest Island Games.“To our Bermudian medallists, your work has been rewarded, but you must not rest on your laurels. Continue to strive for and work towards greatness in all that you do.“To the organisers, volunteers and all who worked to make this competition a success, we thank you. This event has benefited not only our athletes, but has also helped to give our economy a slight boost and for that, we are grateful.”