Team Ynys Môn head to The Rock

Almost 100 of the best athletes from Ynys Môn are heading out to Gibraltar today [Friday 5th July] to represent their island at the 2019 NatWest International Island Games.

The bi-annual competition, commonly referred to as the 'mini Olympics', takes place in Gibraltar this year. It includes a host of sports from track and field to badminton and swimming.

Some of the biggest names in sport have competed at the Games, including cycling superstar Mark Cavendish. He was one of eight Games athletes that have gone on to compete in the Olympics.

Ynys Môn have been competing since the Games began back in 1985.

In 2017, Ynys Môn won one gold medal, four silvers and four bronzes out in Gotland. The Games are a fantastic platform for competitors to test themselves on the international stage.

With Gibraltar not hosting football, Anglesey recently stepped up to host the Inter-Games football tournament where the host island’s men’s team took Gold and the women’s side took Silver. Ynys Môn are in the process of finalising their bid to host the International Island Games in 2025.

David Tommis, Ynys Môn Island Games Association Chairman explains: “This is a very exciting time for sport on Ynys Môn already and to have our brightest sporting stars heading out to compete for our island on the international stage only adds to that.

“We look forward to our athletes fully taking advantage of the experience and creating memories and friendships that will last long after this summer’s Games conclude.”

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