The 2017 NatWest Island Games were held in Gotland between 24th June and 30th June 2017 in what were our 7th Games.  All 24 member islands competed and it is estimated that 3000 participants took part.  Team Western Isles had another record breaking games winning 10 gold medals out of an overall 14 medals won in swimming, athletics and cycling.  The team finished in 7th place in the medals table, which meant that the Western Isles was the leading Scottish island for the second year running.

A total squad of 88 represented the Western Isles competing in 9 sports; athletics, badminton, cycling, football (men's and women's), golf, shooting, swimming and triathlon.

76 competitors plus a support team of team managers, coaches, physio/medical team and management

33 females and 39 males

90% island based

47% under 21 years old

All medals won by females

The Gotland organising team were well prepared and the Games were extremely well run, with events taking place in some stunning locations on this beautiful island.  Our athletes had spent many hours a week in preparation for the Games and the increased levels of conditioning showed in the reduced number of injuries dealt with by the medical team during a gruelling week of competition.

On Monday evening, Kara Hanlon's gold medal in the 200m Breaststroke was WIIGA's 50th medal in all competitions, since Eve Carrington won our first medal in Shetland back in 2005.  Kerry Macphee now has 12 medals - 7 individual and 5 team - in what was her 3rd Games.  In Kathryn Offer's 3 medal haul she broke a fantastic two Games records.  Eve Carrington won her 5th field event medal (She also has 2 track event medals), a magnificent silver with a personal best in the shot putt.

Perhaps the highlight of the week, was 18 year old Heather Mackinnon from Eriskay's gold medal in the women's triple jump.  Against quality competition, a huge personal best in the first round won the day after a nail-biting final two rounds.  What made this medal extra special was that it was won in front of many of our other young athletes and also Heather's family, who made the trip out to Gotland to support her.  Heather follows in Kara's footsteps in becoming the second athlete to have been supported through the local Performance Development Programme for talented young athletes to medal status.

Most significant in our aim to provide the opportunity for young people to compete at international level was the number of personal bests and impressive performances produced by our up and coming young sports stars.  This is hugely encouraging and a credit to themselves, their coaches and everyone who supports them in their ambitions.

Congratulations to all competitors, managers and committee members for making the Gotland Games such a success!  We would also like to thank our sponsors, The Scottish Salmon Company (Official Sponsor) along with all the other business, local councillors, community councils and other organisation for their support.  Without them the Western Isles would not even be able to attend these Games so thank you all again!