Guernsey Come First In The 2023 Island Games

Thousands of athletes celebrated the triumphs of Guernsey's 2023 Island Games in the Closing Ceremony held at Footes Lane this evening (14 July).

Guernsey 2023 has come to an end after 6 days of competition.

The hosts dominated the table from day one - with 149 confirmed medals (and more to be confirmed) the island officially surpassed its previous best total of 128 medals from 2003.

Gold, silver, and bronze medals kept rolling in all week:

Abi Galpin takes home gold from the women’s 200m, just days after missing out on first place in the 100m by just a fraction of a second.
She’s spoken to our reporter Harry Whitehead 🏃🏼‍♀️🥇 pic.twitter.com/ytfkcxsriK

— Island FM (@islandfm) July 12, 2023

Excellent Gold in tricky conditions for Andrew Bridgman in the Sailing! #GSY #Guernsey2023 pic.twitter.com/DqSHhB6ENc

— Andrew Senneck (@andrew8912) July 13, 2023

Guernsey’s Alison Merrien best husband Ian to gold in the bowls singles 🥇🥈🇬🇬 pic.twitter.com/WKHoF0u6bG

— Island FM (@islandfm) July 14, 2023

Guernsey win gold in the 4x100m ladies relay 🥇🇬🇬 #Guernsey2023 pic.twitter.com/47xhrvauEz

— Island FM (@islandfm) July 14, 2023

The whole of Team Guernsey was in high spirits at the closing ceremony this evening (14 July).

The total medals are still to be calculated but Guernsey are expected to remain in first place.

A range of participants, spectators, and officials from each of the 23 visiting islands have praised Guernsey's hosting skills, community spirit, and sporting ability.

The weather was good for the majority of the week, but the last day of the competition saw difficult conditions with heavy rain and strong winds, but that didn't slow anyone down!

The atmosphere has undeniably been outstandingly positive from the opening ceremony on 8 July until today - with a collection of athletes crediting the cheering crowds for their victories.

Guernsey's Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache says the week of sport surpassed his expectations:

"Everybody that has participated, watched it, supported it, or assisted in it - 10 out of 10 to them!

The next Island Games will be held in Orkney, in the Northern Isles of Scotland, in 2025.