The International Island Games Association’s executive committee is urging its member islands, Bermuda included, to bounce back stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic which forced the 2021 NatWest Island Games in Guernsey to be put back to 2023.

The executive committee held its annual spring meeting last weekend, albeit digitally because of the ongoing pandemic. At the meeting it was confirmed that the general meeting of the association will take place digitally on Saturday, July 3.

The 2023 NatWest International Island Games will take place from July 8 to 14, the dates for the Orkney Games, which have now been put back to 2025.

Jorgen Pettersson, chairman of the International Island Games Association, admits it has been a difficult time for the 22 member islands.

“The crisis has affected all of us in different ways,” Pettersson said. “We are facing challenges that some of our member islands have handled well whilst others are looking for guidance.

“We are in this together and we should all learn from the good examples set by members of our games family.

“The success of the NatWest International Island Games is a result of islands and islanders working together for the common goal, to compete in international sports.

“We want the next Games in Guernsey to be the beacon of a new start for the whole world. During the years before the next Games the executive committee will emphasise the need for creativity and togetherness in all of our member islands.”

Pettersson added: “We have also been looking into the possibility of adding new member islands to our association which could bring in diversity and new strengths to our Games family.

“It has been an ongoing goal to spread the idea and the vision of our Games to other islands that meet the requirements in our constitution”.

The sports involved are archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, football, golf, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis and tennis.