´óÏó´«Ã½

Guernsey will send a strong team to next summer's Island Games despite concerns over cost and accommodation, says team manager Karen Archenoul.

A number of Channel Island sportspeople have raised concerns over the costs for the week-long event next July, with some saying they will not compete.

It is estimated it will cost about £2,000 per athlete, although many sports aim to bring that fee down via sponsorship and other donations.

But Archenoul says Guernsey - who hosted the last Games in 2023 - says the island is still placed to do well.

"I think the positive thing is that we're competing in all 12 sports that are being held in Orkney, and not all of the member islands are competing across all 12 sports," she told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Guernsey.

"We are currently the third-biggest contingent behind Orkney, the host island, and their close neighbours Shetland.

"Although we are slightly down on previous travelling numbers we're not that far behind the hosts, which is fantastic.

"I think we are quite a bit higher than some of the other travelling islands, so while some of our teams maybe aren't at full capacity, we are represented in all 12 sports and I think that's a really positive thing to take forward."

Archenoul says it is difficult for smaller islands to accommodate the event - about 2,500-3,000 people are expected to travel to the archipelago mid-July.

Orkney does not have the tourist and hotel infrastructure that other member islands have, meaning athletes will be accommodated in hostels, self-catering accommodation and temporary dormitories set up in schools.

"I think the International Island Games Association (IIGA) have got a lot of big decisions to make in the coming years," Archenoul added.

"Orkney is one of the smallest islands to have ever hosted, and that brings with it complications.

"We've got Faroes to look forward to that maybe have a better infrastructure, but I think an element of this is the beauty of an Island Games.

"It's going and seeing these different islands that you wouldn't normally visit, it's about pulling on that Guernsey shirt with pride wherever you are, whether it's a small island or one of the larger islands.

"It's become so successful that it's something that IIGA are going to have to think about going forward."