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Aug 06 – Gibraltar To Submit Bid To Host 2019 Island Games

The Gibraltar Island Games Association will be putting in a bid to host the 2019 Island Games in Gibraltar after Menorca pulled out due to financial difficulties, as published in the UK press.

With less than four years to go until the next set of games, the final bid must be submitted by the end of September, and the host country will find out if it has been successful after a month.

Speaking earlier today, GIGA Chairman Linda Alvarez said it doesn’t look like there are any other countries making a bid.

She said: “The International Island Games Association is looking for a new host for the 2019 Island Games. The Gibraltar Island Games Association, following an extensive consultation with Government, intends on submitting a bid for these games with the support of the Government of Gibraltar.

“GIGA have commenced preliminary consultations and are in discussion with sports that could potentially form part of the 2019 programme.”

As part of the application for the bid, GIGA would have to look at cost for the event, as well as choosing which 12-14 sporting events will be held.

With more than 3,000 guests flying in from all over the world to take part in the events, GIGA and the Government are looking to work with the local hotels and possibly hire a cruise liner to help accommodate the surplus guests.

Ms Alvarez adds: “In 1995, the whole of Gibraltar came together for the athletics event, and we expect the same thing to happen now. I have no doubt Gibraltar will encompass the event and embrace it completely.”

Steven Linares, Minister for Sport, said: “The Government is totally backing this partnership led by GIGA.

“Participating in their home country would be great encouragement for our sporting men and women, and the games will also leave for Gibraltar.

“The Games would be held for in Gibraltar for a week, and you can imagine the economic activity it gives to Gibraltar. It will market Gibraltar, because the press coverage is immense and will put Gibraltar on the map.

“We are working closely with the international island games association to make it our games, we are not looking to compete with other islands.”

Jorgen Pettersson, IIGA Chairman, said that “he was very pleased to give Gibraltar this opportunity”.  He said it is the policy of the IIGA to give smaller Member Islands a chance to be the Hosts and it is good to see Gibraltar taking up the challenge.

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