Guernsey 2021 Island Games postponed because of coronavirus

260920 - Guernsey 2021 Island Games decision - Credit: ITV Channel TV
Guernsey was due to host the Games for a record third time next year, having previously staged them in 1987 and 2003. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Next year's Island Games in Guernsey have been postponed because of coronavirus, the International Island Games Association has confirmed.

The event, which was due to be held between 3-9 July 2021, has not been cancelled altogether but a decision is yet to be made on when it will now take place.

The IIGA said it will work with the organisers of Guernsey 2021 and Orkney 2023, the next hosts, to find a new date.

The IIGA announced the news to representatives from all 23 member islands during its AGM, held remotely on Saturday.

  • Watch: Guernsey hosted the Island Games for the second time in 2003...

Initial estimates suggested more than 3,000 athletes and officials were preparing to come to Guernsey next year with the island set to host the Games for a record third time.

Local organisers said they had been planning for all eventualities since the outbreak of Covid-19, which has left the international sporting calendar in tatters this year.

The chair of the organising committee for the 2023 edition in Orkney said they will continue with plans to welcome the Games "as and when we can".

Orkney - with a population of around 22,000 - will be the smallest host island to put on the Island Games since Shetland in 2005.