Governor samples Island Games 'buzz'

Governor George Fergusson has stressed the importance of Bermuda rising to the challenge of being Island Games hosts.

The 15th Games gets under way on Saturday with the opening ceremony (7pm) before a feast of sport, ranging from track and field, swimming, gymnastics to shooting, takes centre stage.

The Governor was given a tour of the National Sports Centre today as workers and volunteers put the final touches to the beach volleyball court and the Games HQ.

 He praised the work that has been done in getting the island prepared to stage the event and said it was vital Bermuda put on a memorable show.

“It’s very important carries out these Games successfully,” he said. “Look around, the stadium has been built to host Games like this. This is the first outing for some of the new stadium facilities and I think that there is a lot of tourism to be done on the back of sporting activities. This is quite a big one to be starting off these facilities with.

“Also, a lot of people will be coming here getting their first taste of Bermuda and I’m very confident they will go back and say what a fantastic time they had and tell all their friends and relations they should get to Bermuda.”

He added: “It’s great to see things actually happening on the ground. Since I arrived in Bermuda I’ve been involved in discussions to do with sponsorship, organization, legislation… the level of ambition involved in this has been enormous and the amount of effort that has gone into it has been enormous. 

“I’m really excited to be here and get a sense of the buzz. I’ve met my first athlete, who’s come in from Gotland, and to see the volunteers and to hear of the people making beds since 10:30am and all the other voluntary work that has gone into it has been fantastic. Congratulations.”