Geoffrey Rowland and team sponsor Mary Perkins of Specsavers were introduced to the Guernsey squad, minus two of its tennis stars, in the Garenne Stand at Foote’s Lane. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0602824)
THERE are now fewer than a 100 days to go before the start of the third Commonwealth Youth Games.
Last evening, in a reception attended by their patron, the Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland, the Guernsey Commonwealth Games Association officially congratulated the island’s 10-strong team for winning selection to the week-long Games in Pune, India.
The Games promise to be the biggest and best under-18 version of the Commonwealth Games with more than 1,300 elite sportsmen and women from all 71 Commonwealth countries competing between 12 and 18 October.
It will be the biggest assembly of under-18 sporting talent at an international sporting event in 2008.
‘Good luck to your all. You are going to have a fantastic time,’ said the Bailiff at the gathering held in the Garenne Stand, Foote’s Lane.
‘You are the creme de la creme of young local sporting talent,’ he added, while reminding the youngsters of how their efforts in India will help stimulate other youngsters in Guernsey sport.
‘Everybody selected for the Games has done incredibly well,’ remarked Peter Sirett, chairman of the GCGA.
The vast majority of the squad were present last evening, two absentees being Guernsey’s tennis representatives, Heather Watson and Nick Thibeault, who were unable to travel back from the UK.
Guernsey sent just two competitors to the previous Games in Bendigo, Australia, four years ago, and their substantial increase in numbers this time has gone hand in hand with a marked increase in total numbers.
Only 22 countries and territories travelled to the city in central Victoria.
More than three times that number will go this time.
‘Member associations, big and small, along with their national sporting federations are getting right behind the Games,’ said Mike Fennell, president of the Commonwealth Games Feder-ation.
The Games will be staged at a brand new purpose-built 153-acre site, housing both the athletes’ village and all the competition venues.
Article posted on 8th July, 2008 - 2.29pm
Loading ...
Most Commented: