Representatives from Bermuda have just got back from Gibraltar, where they attended the annual general meeting of the International Island Games — and checked out the venue for next year’s event.

Jon Beard, the chairman of the Bermuda Island Games, Juanita Blee, the secretary, and Paul Scope, of the International Island Games executive, attended the meeting along with representatives of 24 islands.

As well as the AGM, the attendees also saw the preparations for the NatWest Island Games 2019, which will be held in Gibraltar from July 6 to 12, 2019.

Beard said: “I have been to Gibraltar a few times and have always found it a terrific place. It is small and compact, but they certainly have a real sense of community. Gibraltar, a British Dependent Territory, is perched at the very tip of Spain, and the views across to Morocco are incredible.

“From a sports venue point of view I am somewhat in awe. The Gibraltar government has sold its main sports stadium to the Gibraltar Football Association and is constructing two new facilities.

“One will house a 52-metre pool, much like ours but indoors, along with an athletic track and an astro-turf football pitch. One other stadium houses a large sports hall for badminton and squash. It also has a large astroturf field that will be the home for cricket and rugby. These facilities are right next to the University of Gibraltar and will feature in the Sports Management degree.”

Beard said next year’s Games would include ten-pin bowling for the first time in many years.

“They have a 14-lane bowling facility that also houses an ice-rink and a two-screen cinema,” he said. “The Games will feature 14 sports and all look to be very well-organised with top European referees and umpires officiating. Bermuda’s teams can be sure of a warm welcome and superb facilities.”