I absolutely love athletics and rugby, so when the opportunity came to get involved in the Island Games, I couldn’t resist.
That’s how I found myself volunteering as an attaché for the Island of Gozo, a small island in Malta that’s home to nearly 40,000 people.
This is only the second Island Games that Gozo is coming to, so it’s on me to help them feel welcome and ready to get stuck into all the fun sports and activities that are being planned.
Gozo got four medals in their last Games, including a gold, so they will be looking to improve that medal count this time.
I love getting involved in anything that benefits the community, and there is nothing better than the Island Games.
I want everyone to support the Games in full force, so I’ve given the team some time off to make sure they can experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.
If you’re able to get out and see the games too, then you absolutely should.
85 athletes are coming from Gozo that I have been helping to coordinate.
There are plenty of questions and requests to handle in the buildup to the Games, and I know it will get even busier once the Games begin.
Still, the joy and celebration of Orkney being part of something so prestigious is worth every moment.
I’ve been fortunate enough to build relationships with officials from the Gozo Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation and have found that they are incredibly excited for the Games.
Training events have revealed just how complex an endeavour the Island Games are, and the work of volunteers, attachés, and organisers is essential in ensuring their success.
The Island Games have a long and proud history, but this is the first time Orkney is playing host.
Maybe Orkney will get the chance to host again at some point in the future, but we are all determined to make these Games unforgettable no matter what.
The Island Games are about showing the world the unique culture and values of islanders, so let’s all get stuck in to make these the best Island Games in history!
We will be charting the Island Games, and the Scholes team’s contributions, as they unfold.
