Team Guernsey welcomed home

Team Guernsey has been officially welcomed home from the Orkney Island Games.

The Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon, hosted a drinks reception at the Royal Court on Thursday 24 July to celebrate the team's success.

Guernsey finished third overall in the medals table with 20 golds, 19 silvers and 20 bronze medals.

Sir Richard made a speech to the assembled athletes praising them for a wonderful week of sport in Orkney. 

He paid credit to the team sponsors Healthspan saying without sponsors, going to the games wouldn't be possible. 

Sir Richard said: "I hope that you all enjoyed the experience of competing for Team Guernsey, competing against people from other islands and where possible beating them. And we sincerely hope that many of you will be back in 2 years time for the games in the Faroe Islands."

GIGA Chairman, Jon Marley congratulated the team for being true ambassadors for the island. 

He said: "After 18 years, this is my last ever games on the management board, your efforts when you're away at an island games is what makes all of our hard work over a 2 year period, worth it. Well done to all of you, keep inspiring us and the island. I wish you all the best with your future endeavours in sport."

The Team Guernsey athletes who were present were sharing how much it has meant to them to compete for the island.

Cyclist Andrea Nightingale described it as the most special feeling. "I love my island and I am so proud to be able to represent it in a different place, really honoured to put on a green shirt and be part of team Guernsey.

Swimmer Orianna Wheeler said: "I really enjoyed it. This was my third island games and it keeps getting better and better. We're a really close knit community and it really shows when it comes to events like the Island Games."

Nic Ackermann who won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles said of the experience: "A chance to represent the island, it feels like running for more than just myself, definitely a very proud moment for me."

Lawn Bowler Chris Dyer said the team spirit was exceptional: "I love team sports, being part of a team that size was really something special that I didn't appreciate until I became part of it."

Cycling Team Manager Gary Wallbridge summed it up well: "You live in this incredible bubble for a week, where you just spend all your time with your team, almost nothing else matters. It's an experience you cannot describe to anybody unless they have gone and done it themselves.

He said people need to experience it because, "it's out of this world."

GIGA Team Manager Bucky said: "I kind of feel like a proud mum to 140 people, seeing it all come together, the hard work that our board put in to get everyone there. We had an incredible week of sport. Team Guernsey looked fantastic in our Healthspan kit and I think it exceeded our expectations."