Island Games: Jon Beard Excited For Orkney
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jon Beard, the Bermuda Island Games Association chairman, is confident Bermuda’s athletes can secure medals at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland.
More than 60 athletes will represent Bermuda across seven sports – athletics, badminton, bowls, golf, squash, triathlon, and football – at the multi-sport event, held from Saturday [July 12] to next Friday on the archipelago.
Seasoned competitors such as Aaron Simmons [badminton], Sean Trott [athletics], and Jarryd Dillas [golf] bring a wealth of experience, while youngsters Sienna Mosquera [golf] and Taylor Carrick [squash] will make their Games debuts.
“Many of our athletes are returning to the Island Games and know what to expect,” Beard told Bernews, “but we also have several new faces.
“It would be nice to be among the medal table, but without large numbers in athletics and swimming, that’s always going to be a battle.
“As much as I’d love to see more of our swimmers and track and field athletes at the Games, I understand it’s not an easy task to find the money.
“I’m happy with the people we have coming – athletes and administrators; they’re fantastic people.
“I’m looking forward to it – it’s a good competition for Bermuda.”
Beard views the Island Games as an ideal level of international competition for many of Bermuda’s athletes, providing valuable exposure and a realistic shot at podium finishes.
“Our guys know to expect a high level of competition,” he said.
“If they do well here, there’s no reason why they cannot step up to a higher level of competition.”
He also praised the efforts of first-time hosts Orkney in preparing for the event.
“There’s some terrific sport facilities on the island,” he added.
“Accommodation is always an issue for the hosts, but they’ve converted a local school into dormitories, which should work well for the travelling teams.
“The weather should be a bit cooler, and we’ve designed our tracksuits etc to cater for that.”
Orkney will host more than 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups competing across 12 sports.
This marks the first time in the Games’ 40-year history that Orkney will stage the biennial event.
Bermuda earned ten medals at the previous Games in Guernsey in 2023, including two golds, two silvers, and six bronzes.
