The 2015 NatWest Island Games were held on Jersey between 27th June and 3rd July 2015 in what was our 6th Games.  All 24 member islands competed in what were the biggest games yet, with the number of participants reaching over 3000 for the first time.  Team Western Isles had another record breaking Games winning a total of 19 medals in 4 different sports.  The team's 9th place finish in the medal table meant that Western Isles was the leading Scottish island for the first time, ahead of both Orkney and Shetland.

Following on from the Bermuda Games in 2013, where we took a small team of 17 competitors, Jersey saw us back to our more usual average with a total squad of 92.  Nine sports were represented - athletics, badminton, cycling, football (men's and women's), golf, shooting, swimming and triathlon.  More than a third of competitors were teenagers; 90% of the squad were island based; 43% of competitors were female.

Each squad was well prepared for competition, having trained consistently in the run-up to the Games and competing in numerous events prior to the Games themselves.  The weather was perfect, the venues were first class and expectations were high for a successful week of high class competition.

Our 19 medals included a number of firsts - Donald Walker won our first shooting medal, and Kara Hanlon and Kathryn Offer won our first medals in swimming.  We also had Mark Maciver competing as our first men's triathlete and Paul Finnegan reviewing opportunities for developing a competitive badminton squad.

The performance of our athletes continues to impress, Kara (2) and Kathryn (1) set Games Records in the pool, the Magnificent Macphee sisters won 6 medals between them and Eve Carrington continues to astound everyone with 2 more medals to add to her haul since winning our first ever medal back in Shetland in 2005, to name a few.  Many underestimate the effort required to be successful in the shooting events so it was particularly pleasing to see Donald Walker win our first shooting medal.

Let's not forget those who worked hard behind the scenes for their commitment and dedication prior to and during the Games themselves.  Without the Executive Committee members, Team Managers, physio/medical team and the media team, the Games would not have been the success they clearly were.

We must also thank our sponsors; The Scottish Salmon Company (Official Sponsor), MG Alba, Harris Tweed Hebrides and all the other businesses, community councils and other organisations for their support.  Without them, the Western Isles team may not be have been able to make it to the games!

As Jorgen Pettersson, Chairperson of the International Island Games Association, often reminds us about the games - "It's great to take home medals, but it's even better to have made friends and helped develop sport on your island".

We continue to stick to our aims to provide a pathway to elite international competition and encouragement for young island athletes striving towards high levels sports.

Congratulations to all competitors, managers and committee members for making the Jersey Games a success!