Big Boost for Team Guernsey

With less than a year to go to the Island Games, there's good news for Team Guernsey athletes.

They're set to benefit from a substantial donation from a long-standing supporter of local sport, helping to offset some of the high costs of competition.

The donation to GIGA from Ravenscroft Capital will provide financial support for athletes representing Guernsey in the Faroes, with costs currently estimated to be more than £2,000 each.

Ravenscroft Capital CEO Jon Ravenscroft, who has supported sports and athletes for more than three decades, said he wanted to ensure financial circumstances didn't prevent talented athletes from competing.

"Sport has always been something I feel passionately about and I believe that people with the talent and commitment to compete should have the opportunity to do so," he said.

‘The costs involved in representing Guernsey can be significant and I want this funding to give some of our talented sportspeople the opportunity to compete, perform at their best and enjoy the experience of representing their island.’

GIGA chairman Chris Jackson said the additional funding would be particularly valuable in helping to ensure the team is accessible to athletes regardless of their financial circumstances. Currently more than 250 athletes are expected to represent the island across all 14 sports.

"Taking part in the Island Games is a huge commitment for athletes, both in terms of the training they put in and the costs involved," he said.

"But the benefits are considerable and the Island Games are about so much more than medals. They are about representing your island, being part of a team and having an experience that athletes will remember for the rest of their lives. We want to make sure as many talented athletes as possible have the chance to experience that and so we are incredibly grateful to Ravenscroft Capital for recognising that financial circumstances should not be a barrier."

This latest funding is in addition to the support provided by our official headline sponsor Healthspan, which is both financial and through access to sports nutrition and performance expertise.