Having just got back from my trip to Africa and being newly appointed as the President of ICAS, I have found time in my schedule to become an attaché for the Falkland Islands in the Island Games.
I love getting involved in as much as possible, so volunteering for the Island Games seemed like the natural next thing to do.
I get to work as an attaché for the Falkland Islands so I get to make sure the team feels welcome and comfortable when they come to Orkney this summer.
Home to around 3,600 people, the Falkland Islands have secured 26 medals since joining the Island Games in 1993.
This year, they are looking to expand that medal count and are having a go at six sports:
- Archery
- Badminton
- Lawn Bowls
- Road cycling
- Golf
- Swimming
That’s quite a diverse range, and I’ll be showing up to watch as many of them as possible.
I’m a big athletics fan so I’ll be sneaking off to watch a bit of that as well when the Games get going.
There are 60 people in the team coming from the Falkland Islands so I’ve been working on coordinating as much as possible before the Games begin.
I want them to feel immediately at home in Orkney, so I have been sorting out all the organisational and logistical challenges ahead of time.
They have been a delight to work with and I know they are all looking forward to seeing what Orkney has to offer.
And if you want convincing to come, then you should know that we have exceptional opening and closing ceremonies planned, and even a royal visit on the cards.
I am going to be out and about as much as possible during the Games, assisting the Falkland Islands and soaking up the atmosphere.
I want to see as many of you there as possible, so come on down and say “hello” to me or any of the Scholes team you see.
We will be charting the Island Games, and the Scholes team’s contributions, as they unfold.
