THE Island Games simply cannot grow any more, says International Island Games Association chairman Jorgen Pettersson (pictured).

The Alander has been in Jersey together with IIGA vice chairman James Johnston, to verify the island’s bid to host the 2015 Games.

‘I don’t think the Island Games can grow any more and I wouldn’t like to see that,’ he said.

‘We are limited at the moment to 14 sports so four miss out every time, which is not a perfect solution. I think 14 sports is probably enough anyway because if we didn’t have that regulation there would be 18 each time and there would only be about five islands who would be able to host an event that size.

‘However, I think in 10 years time the Island Games Association and the Island Games will still be more important than it is today because what we are doing is creating a community in island life. Sport is something that is good for everyone.

‘Living on an island is not always as fun as living in London, perhaps, might be. It is much safer and calm.

‘But by organising sporting events like the Island Games we are helping youngsters understand why it is so good to stay on an island. By doing that it helps the society that is funding them as they can take over in the future.’

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