Famous islands from around the world will be ‘represented’ at the second annual Primary School Island Games in Sandown in early July.

Over 500 pupils will descend on Sandown’s Fairway Sports Complex on Saturday 11 July to compete in an exciting day of Olympic style sports as part of an event organised by Isle of Wight Council’s Sports Unit.

As the Isle of Wight builds up to hosting the 2011 NatWest Island Games, the pupils 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.

The games form an important part of the council’s approach to developing a healthy Island legacy from the hosting of the NatWest International Island Games in 2011.

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.

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!

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. 

Isle of Wight Council Community Development Manager Lee Matthews said “Last year was the first time we held the Primary School Island Games and they were a resounding success.

“This year will be even bigger with more pupils taking part. It’s a fantastic event that works as a great inspiration for children to take an interest in sport and get active as we build up to the Island Games in 2011 and the Olympics in 2012″

The event’s opening ceremony gets underway at 0930 on 11 July with the award presentations beginning at 1500. Spectators to the event are very welcome, for further information contact the Sports Unit on (01983) 823818 or sports.unit@iow.gov.uk