Island athlete Dale Garland, second from left, flew into Aland yesterday to compete in the 4 x 400m and 4 x 100m relay heats and final at the Wiklof Holding Arena in Mariehamn. With Dale is Alun Williams, Zach Hanley and Dale’s father, Graham. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0798769)
ONE Guernsey athlete arrived in style in Aland yesterday – hoping to help secure Guernsey a place in the Commonwealth Games.
Dale Garland, whose wife Rachael gave birth to their second child last Wednesday, jetted into the Island Games just hours before he was due on the track – with the help of a local company.
Mr Garland ruled himself out of competing in the Games weeks ago but, with the safe arrival of his new baby, an eleventh hour plea was made to the Long Port Group.
Company chairman Charles Billson directed his team to make the flight to incorporate a training session originally scheduled for the pilots later in the week.
Mr Garland’s son, Zeke, was born at 4pm last Wednesday weighing 6.7 lbs.
He is a younger brother for two-year-old Ellie.
‘That was all last minute. It was a bit of a shock. It’s brilliant. He’s doing well. It’s a great feeling,’ said Mr Garland.
He will compete in the 4 x 400m and 4 x 100m relay heats and final at the Wiklof Holding Arena in Mariehamn – an event in which Guernsey will be defending its title.
The team is aiming to get the Commonwealth Games time of 3min. 13.60sec. for 4 x 400m and 41.60sec. for 4 x 100m to qualify for the 2010 Commonwealth in Delhi in October.
‘Not being here was a bit annoying, as is not being able to see the ones I’ve been working with. It’s good to be here,’ he said.
Mr Garland was literally flying the flag for Guernsey when he arrived in a Cessna Citation business jet – which is complete with the island’s flag on its tail.
He was joined by his father, Graham, president of the Guernsey Island Amateur Athletics Club Alun Williams and young athlete Zach Hanley – who just missed out on making the Guernsey team for the Island Games.
‘I’m definitely excited to be here as especially this year is a big year for me as coach,’ said Mr Garland.
The direct flight landed at Mariehamn Airport at 12.49, local time, two hours ahead of Guernsey.
The airport, which on average has eight flights a day, has a runway 1.9km long and 60m wide and the largest plane which has landed there is a Boeing 757.
Article posted on 2nd July, 2009 - 11.30am
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