Tennis players, left to right, Chantelle Frith, Tracey Hubert, Carly Tucknott and Jo Dyer soaking up the sunshine in Games Street. (0797182)

THE Guernsey competitors are loving everything about Aland.

Not only have they been taken with the incredibly picturesque Baltic island with its tranquil stretches of water that are enclosed by rich woodland, but they also experienced an enjoyable opening ceremony in the Wiklof Holding Arena on Saturday evening.

One Sarnian who particularly got caught up in the Island Games spirit was Tim Laine.

The veteran windsurfer had the honour of leading more than 220 Guernsey competitors as the flag-bearer.

‘I was a bit emotional. It was a great feeling and a great experience,’ said Laine. ‘It was a good ceremony. It was interesting.’

Another Guernsey competitor who had an official role in the proceedings was Nicole Hewlett.

The Ladies College’ swimmer, along with fellow 13-year-old Kate Stubbington, carried and poured Guernsey’s water in the all-important water ceremony.

‘It was fun and I wasn’t nervous,’ she said. ‘It was a good experience.’