IIGA’s Bo Frykenstam “Will Be Greatly Missed”
Bo Frykenstam, one of the founding fathers of the International Island Games Association, recently passed away at age 78, leaving behind a sporting legacy that spans Bermuda and all the other small island nations involved in the IIGA.
Jon Beard, Chairman of the Bermuda Island Games Association, said, “Bo was a terrific contributor to the Island Games.
“He was an excellent Chairman who had a real concern for all the islands in the Games family.
“He loved his visit to Bermuda and was a great supporter of the island. He toured our facilities and gave the recommendation that Bermuda be accepted as a potential host island of the Games – which of course came to fruition in 2013.
“He retired as Chairman before 2013, but was always available for help and advice.
“He was true gentleman and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to his family and friends in his native island of Gotland.
“He had led their campaign to be a host island in 2017, and it is sad that he won’t see that dream come to fruition; but his legacy will be there for all to enjoy,” concluded Mr Beard.
Island Games Chairman Jörgen Pettersson said, “Bo Frykenstam was one of the founding fathers of the International Island Games Association [IIGA].
“He was the leader of the Gotland Team in the very first Inter-Island Games in 1985 and saw the potential in the event. Two years later he became one of the members of the first Executive Committee that was formed in Guernsey 1987.
“He worked hard in the Committee and was elected vice chairman in 1995 and chairman in 2001. Bo was a true sportsman and brought knowledge from many different areas into the IIGA. He was also one of these human beings who always wanted to develop and move forward.
“Amongst his legacy towards our beloved Association is the tree planting ceremony and the Medical Seminar that are both samples of creativity and hard work and one man’s vision.
“Bo Frykenstam was always ready to take responsibility and he was also the Chairman of the Gotland Bid Committee which successfully won the Games for 2017. Bo attended every Games apart from NatWest Island Games in Bermuda [2013] and Jersey [2015].
“Besides working in Committees and taking overall responsibility Bo Frykenstam had a wide range of experience from practical sport; football, handball, boxing, tennis, table tennis and badminton.
“The sporting society of the world has lost an enthusiast. We will be forever grateful for the memories Bo Frykenstam left during his path on earth and we are convinced that heaven will become a sportier place from now on.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Maja and everyone else in the family who now have to deal with a reality where Bo will be deeply and sadly missed. On behalf of the International Island Games Association I want to emphasize that Bo Frykenstam will always be remembered for his hard work in order to make IIGA an organization that brought content and friendship into island life.”
