Faroe Islands will host the 2027 Island Games after Ynys Mon pulled out as a result of rising costs.

The Welsh island, also known as Anglesey, cited financial pressures after the Covid-19 pandemic for its decision to end plans to host the bi-annual multi-sport event.

“We are extremely disappointed to have come to the difficult decision that we are not in a position to host the Island Games in 2027,” said Gareth Parry, the chair of the Ynys Mon organising committee.

“The impact of the pandemic and other incidents across the world over recent years have had a devastating effect on the current financial climate in Ynys Mon and Wales.

“We had secured enough funding when submitting our bid prior to Covid with support from the Local Authority, the Charitable Trust and Welsh Government, but a recent review of the budget highlighted a significant funding gap that we are unable to meet in the current financial climate.

“Over seven years of hard work has gone into getting us to this position, and though we are extremely disappointed, the risks involved with continuing at this present time are too high.

“However, we and our partners are as committed as ever to bring these fantastic Games to Ynys Mon and will review our position on an annual basis with a view of putting ourselves forward again as soon as is practicable.”

The Island Games were postponed in 2021 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and will be staged in Orkney in 2025 and the Isle of Man in 2029.

“The world has changed since Ynys Mon made its original bid in 2018," said Jorgen Pettersson, chairman of the International island Games Association.

“Rising costs and general cutbacks are challenging for everyone.

“The IIGA appreciates the openness of the Ynys Mon team and their approach to allowing the executive to seek a replacement host and providing sufficient time to achieve this.

“The IIGA looks forward to Ynys Mon coming forward with a new bid at a future date.”

The Faroe Islands first hosted the Games in 1989 and were previously named as the preferred bidder for the 2031 event.

“On behalf of the member islands we thank the Faroe Islands for offering to bring forward their bid for 2031 in order to host the competition in 2027, which will be the 21st Island Games,” Pettersson added.

“This is the way the Island Games family works. We share success and we share challenges.”

Guernsey hosted the Games this summer, with more than 2,000 athletes participating from 23 islands, including Bermuda, across 14 sports. Bermuda’s 70-strong team claimed a total of ten medals in archery, football, golf, indoor bowls, sailing, and tennis to finish thirteenth in the medal table.