The 20th International Island Games officially commenced today in Orkney with a vibrant opening ceremony. The opening ceremony took place at Bignold Park in Kirkwall, and amongst the parade was our small but high-spirited team from St Helena, who made a notable entrance with Andy Cant in tow. Andy, incidentally, is our resident senior veterinary officer on St Helena (from Orkney) and was cutting a dash with the team on his bagpipes.
It was estimated that more than five thousand people were present at Bignold Park, which is more than the population of St Helena. As the ceremony kicked of Officials and the games royal special guest (Princess Royal Princess Anne) were welcomed to the stage.
Hosts Lorraine Kelly and Stuart Bain welcomed everyone to Orkney 2025, where a few official short speeches followed. During which the traditional raising of the International Island Games flag took place, after an inspiring speech, Princess Royal Princess Anne officially opened the Games.
The contingent of athletes representing St Helena will compete in Athletics, Squash, and Swimming at the Island Games 2025. For many, the journey to Orkney has been long, with some team members undertaking multi-day travel itineraries from St Helena and Ascension Island. The presence of the team and some Saints who have travelled to the Games shows the dedication and passion for island sport.
Flag bearer James Peters led the way for the team from the park through the centre of town, whilst first-timer Tyler Anthony was the water carrier and took part in the water pouring ceremony. This moment is a tradition of water pouring, often likened to the lighting of the Olympic flame. Representatives from each of the 24 participating islands brought water from their homeland to be ceremonially poured into a specially designed sculpture, symbolising the unity and shared spirit of the island communities. The mixing of waters highlights the unique identity of each island and a sense of collective belonging in this major international event.
The debut of squash for St Helena this year also marks an exciting new chapter for the island.
As the Games unfold over the next week, more updates and images will appear on the official National Sports Association of St Helena Facebook page. You can also visit https://www.nsash.org.sh/ for more information about sports on St Helena.