2017 Island Games – Preview, History, Successful Nations

Our partners: 777Spinslot is a reliable gaming platform that constantly upgrades its wide range of games to get better results and to bring users the highest quality casino games online no deposit to play with.

The Island Games is regarded as one of the popular multi-sports events in the world. The competition regularly averages several thousand participants competing across different sports like archery, badminton, basketball, cycling, golf, shooting, table tennis, and volleyball. The first event was held in 1985, and it featured only seven different sports.

Since then, it has grown to 14 different sports in the last six editions. The 2017 Island Games will also witness 14 sports just like in the previous edition. Gotland in Sweden will be playing host to the event, which will witness more than 3000 athletes taking part. It is scheduled to take place between 24th June and 30th June.

History

The Island Games are seen as a smaller version of the Olympics meant for the islands in Europe, Caribbean, and South Atlantic. It is organised by the International Island Games Association. Initially, only 15 islands took part in these competitions and this number has now grown to 23. The 2015 Island Games was held in Jersey. Gibraltar has already been awarded the opportunity to host the 2019 games, which will once again feature 14 sports.

Jersey, which comes under the British province, are the most successful team after having won 491 gold medals. They also lead the overall standings with 1,426 medals. They are closely followed by Isle of Man, which also comes under the British province, who have 1,216 medals – a figure that includes 413 gold medals.

2017 Gotland Island Games Preview

The 2017 Island Games will see the introduction of gymnastics in place of sailing. Hence, it still manages to possess the same 14 titles that have been a common feature of this competition since the 2005 games.

Gotland will be hosting the event for the second time after previously hosting the event in 1999. Rhodes were expected to take part but they have pulled out due to financial constraints of Greece.

The XVII Island Games will be held in Gotland, Sweden, between 24 June and 30 June 2017.

Who Will Participate in The Gotland Island Games?

A total of 23 island entities of the IIGA (International Island Games Association), from the Caribbean region, South Atlantic and Europe, will be competing in these Games. A quick mention here: Rhodes of Greece originally planned to attend, but withdrew in late May 2017 due to the financial situation in mainland Greece.

• Alderney
• Åland Islands
• Bermuda
• Falkland Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Frøya
• Gotland (Host)
• Gibraltar
• Greenland
• Guernsey
• Isle of Man
• Hitra
• Isle of Wight
• Jersey
• Orkney
• Menorca
• Saaremaa
• Shetland Islands
• Western Isles
• Sark
• Ynys Môn
• St. Helena

Which Sports Will Be Covered at the 2017 Island Games?

Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Cycling, Football, Golf, Shooting, Table Tennis, Swimming, Gymnastics, Tennis, Volleyball, and Triathlon are the sports in which islanders will compete this year. Records stand to be broken and teams are ready for the unexpected.

Stay tuned for more updates on your favourite sports from OddsDigger!