January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Island Games bid should boost local sports
The news that the island has been designated as the host nation for the games was universally welcomed in Bermuda this week, particularly by the so-called 'fringe' sports.
The games have become a focal point in the calendars of sports like basketball, volleyball and gymnastics. And with the 14-sport mini-Olympics now scheduled to take place in Bermuda, they hope more young people will begin to see them as worthwhile sporting options.
Roderick Spencer, who coached Bermuda's basketball team to bronze, gold and silver at the last three Island Games, said it would also provide a platform for his team to showcase their talent.
"To represent your country overseas and have success is amazing but to do that on local soil in front of your home supporters along with the added pressure, multiplies the euphoria of it all 100 per cent.
"I would hope that the biggest two benefits after people see what we can do and the pride and passion we do it with will be that some of the local faces of the sport (Players and administrators) will finally get a little of the recognition they deserve and that youth players out there that play several sports will want to be part of what they saw when they grow up and focus their athletic talents toward basketball."
Jon Gazzard, Bermuda Island Games secretary and a member of the men's volleyball team, said the competition should have a galvanizing effect on all sports.
"Hopefully it will highlight in Bermuda that these other sports exist. Obviously Bermuda loves football and cricket. It will be an opportunity for the lesser known sports to put on good displays with international competition.
"For a lot of sports this is their 'World Cup'. We'll have over 200 athletes involved at the next Island Games in Aland and possibly more when it is held here in 2013."
Tina Williams, who coaches the gymnastics team which hauled in the most medals at the past two Island Games', said she was delighted that Bermuda would get to host the games.
"All the girls that competed last time are really excited that it's going to be held in Bermuda. They'll all be in their 20s by then and won't be competing but I'm sure we'll continue our successful programme and have a whole new team.
"Hopefully the chance to be involved in the Island Games will keep people interested in participating."
Jon Beard, chairman of the Bermuda Island Games executive that travelled to Aland, Finland on the weekend when Bermuda's bid to host the event was unanimously endorsed by all 23 of the participating countries present, said the event would be great for Bermuda sport as a whole.
"As sports go we tend to be quite disjointed. I don't think many volleyball people come out and watch football and vice-versa.
"This is an opportunity to bring everyone together and to see Bermuda competing in a whole variety of sports."
He said it was also a chance for sports to get their programmes and facilities in shape.
"Each sport is responsible for organizing their section of the games but we've got to help them improve their facilities and their equipment as well as their programmes to bring it up to games standard."
He said he hoped the centre core at the NSC would be ready in time for 2013 so the bulk of the events could be held there.
"That could be our Island Games village."[[In-content Ad]]
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