Sports facilities could get boost if Island Games bid is successful

Friday 05 April 2024

Sporting facilities in Jersey could be improved through investments if the island's bid to host the Island Games in 2035 is accepted, says Minister.

Constable Andy Jehan, who has political responsibility for sport as Infrastructure Minister, confirmed that a bid document will soon be submitted to the International Island Games Association.

Jersey is hoping to host the Island Games in 2035.

The biennial multi-sports event, which attracts thousands of visiting athletes and support staff from across the globe, will be held in the island for the first time in 20 years if the bid is accepted.

"We are working hard in the background to get the bid granted," said Constable Jehan.

Pictured: Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan has political responsibility for sport.

The Infrastructure Minister, who was the head of logistics when Jersey hosted the Games in 2015, acknowledged the potential challenges due to a lack of sporting and accommodation resources on the island.

Jersey faced a similar lack of facilities in the previous Island Games, but this did not stop a successful event from being staged in 2015.

Although several hotels have been demolished and turned into housing since then, Constable Jehan said he is "confident" that the island will be able to accommodate visitors.

He said that attendees would be able to stay in the 103-room aparthotel at the Les Sablons development by then, and "hopes that other developments will gain planning permission" over the next 10 years.

The Minister also highlighted the need for substantial investment, possibly tens-of-millions of pounds, to meet infrastructure demands — which would have far-reaching economic, social, community and sporting benefits.

For example, when Jersey hosted the Island Games in 2015, an estimated 4,000 visitors came to the island and injected £3.8million into the local economy.

Constable Jehan said hosting the 2035 Games would spur investment into sports facilities, such as Fort Regent. 

He said: "The main benefit of hosting the Island Games would be enhanced sports facilitates for the island, as we saw in 2015.

"It would ensure a spade in the ground and a commitment to delivering much-needed improvements to sporting facilities."

He added that Oakfield Sports Centre, which schools, clubs and associations use, has already received £8.3 million investment.