As the Isle of Wight builds up to hosting the 2011 NatWest Island Games, schools on the Isle of Wight this month will once again host their own annual Primary School Island Games.

Famous islands from around the world will be ‘represented’ at the second annual Primary School Island Games in Sandown on Saturday July 11th 2009 (Image News Archive: : 2008 Island Games)

The event aims to give children and young people an experience of an Island Games and Olympic style event, with an opening ceremony and mini medal presentations. It is hoped that by staging the event, many of the young competitors will be encouraged to pursue one or a number of sports as they grow up.

Over 500 pupils will descend on Sandown’s Fairway Sports Complex to compete in an exciting day of Olympic style sports as part of the event organised by Isle of Wight Council’s Sports Unit.

Students will represent eight different islands; Menorca, Rhodes, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Greenland, St. Helena, Rhodes, Western Isles and the Cayman Isles.

There are 7 different sports competitions which every Island competes in, these include, Athletics, Tag Rugby, Girls Football, Basketball, Netball, Tennis and Cycling.

Sports Clubs from across the Island will also be providing free activities for children to participate in. The ‘Challenge Zone’ will include; Football, Hockey, Golf, the ECB’s Cricket Roadshow and the Fairway’s own Rock Climbing wall. So even if children aren’t participating in any of the main sports there will be plenty to come and try!

The Primary School Island Games hosted every year, form an important part of the council’s approach to developing a healthy Island legacy for hosting the NatWest International Island Games in 2011.

The event’s opening ceremony gets underway at 0930 on 11 July with the final presentations beginning at 1500 and spectators to the event are very welcome.

Full details are available via this downloadable leaflet click here:

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