Team Isle of Wight will be flying out to Finland later this month to compete on the island of Aland in a variety of sports including swimming, golf, football, badminton, table tennis and sailing.

The Isle of Wight Council is wishing good luck to all of the athletes who will shortly be flying to Finland to represent the Isle of Wight in the 2009 NatWest Island Games.

The competition, which begins on 27th June, is very important not only for the 150 + athletes, but also for representatives from the Isle of Wight as the 2011 competition will be held here.

There are high hopes the Isle of Wight can finish high up the medal table in what is now one of the world’s largest team competitions behind the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

At the 2007 NatWest Island Games held in Rhodes in Greece, the Isle of Wight finished 13th in the medal table, winning six gold, two silver and five bronze medals.

Isle of Wight Council Chief Executive Steve Beynon said

“I want to wish everyone travelling to Aland the best of luck. The whole of the Isle of Wight are behind the team and I look forward to following the progress of our athletes.

“The event is also a great opportunity for representatives from the 2011 Isle of Wight Island Games Organising Committee to see in close detail how certain sports are arranged, the facilities available etc.”

“Organisers in Aland say this year’s competition will be the largest yet. There is no reason why we cannot make it even bigger in 2011″.

Team Isle of Wight will fly to Finland on 26th June. The games will be officially handed over to the Isle of Wight during the closing ceremony, part of which will see the Isle of Wight give a carnival display.

Many local companies have sponsored the various Isle of Wight teams while Wightlink also provided sponsorship.

Last month, it was announced 35 athletes aged under 18 would be receiving cash from the Youth Opportunities Fund, which is administered by Isle of Wight Council, to help them meet the cost of competing in the games. The council also provides an annual grant to help towards the overall cost for teams.