Rock ready for 2019 Island Games
The Rock is all set for this evening’s start of the Gibraltar 2019 NatWest International Island Games.
After 24 years since it was last hosted in Gibraltar in what has since become known as the ‘Sunshine Games’, the Rock once again will see over 3000 competitors and officials from across 22 member islands of the IIGA bringing back some colour to our sports venues.
This evening marks the start of what is described as “the biggest sports event ever hosted in Gibraltar.”
The opening ceremony will mark the start of the Games officially.
With special performances from Nathan Conroy’s The Recycle Junkies, to displays by The Royal Marines and Gibraltar Regiment bands, the visiting competitors will be welcomed to the Rock at 7pm at the brand new Europa Sports Complex.
The ceremony is expected to last around two hours, with organisers already pointing out that they have tried to reduce the time competitors spend standing around after feedback from previous opening ceremonies.
This is 18th Island Games to be held since they were founded, and Gibraltar hopes this will turn out to be bigger and better than 1995.
Gibraltar has already been gripped by the Island Games syndrome as athletes settled in from their travels.
Over 600 volunteers had already signed up to assist in the organisation of the event.
“It’s amazing that so many people have come forward to volunteer their time and help out,” said Linda Alvarez, Chair of the Gibraltar Natwest International Island Games organising committee.
“It’s the volunteers that make the games.”
Over 16 venues will host different sporting events during the next six days, with tomorrow dubbed “Super Sunday” as most sports start their programme.
The main sporting programme will open with the Triathlon event, with an early 8am start.