The Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri officially presented the contingent that will be representing Gozo at the Island Games in Orkney which will be held from the 12th to the 18th of July. Team Gozo is made up of 51 Gozitan athletes who will be competing at the Island Games in the following disciplines: athletics, cycling, golf, swimming, triathlon and football.
This year, Gozo will be expanding its participation in the Island Games with a women’s football team for the first time, as well as in the golf discipline. This fact is a testament to the ambition, determination and inclusive vision that the country has in the sporting field.
Minister Camilleri said with satisfaction that, “After four years of working tirelessly to ensure that Gozo became a full member of the International Island Games Association, today it is ready to participate for the second time in these prestigious games which this year will be held on the island of Orkney, north of Scotland.” He recalled that in Gozo’s first participation in Guernsey two years ago, not only was the first step taken as a new contingent, but the Gozitan island obtained four medals – one gold, two silver and one bronze.
Minister Clint Camilleri also explained how sport is at the heart of the vision for the development of Gozo, with substantial investment in projects such as the Sports and Aquatics Pavilion which is in its final phase and will begin to open gradually in the coming weeks. This project, which has already been praised by international experts, will be transforming the framework of sports culture in Gozo.
In this context, the Minister announced that there is a strategic collaboration with the Ministry for Education and Sport in order to, together, attract a world-class sporting event to our islands. He stated that all this is being done for the sporting community that works tirelessly to represent Gozo.
While also referring to the ministry’s ongoing commitment to continue funding and supporting sporting activities that not only strengthen the skills of athletes, but also enhance the name of Gozo on an international level, Minister Clint Camilleri thanked everyone who worked to make this participation possible.
He concluded by wishing all athletes success in this year’s edition of the Orkney Islands Games, and assured them that they will continue to have the full support of the Government.
The International Island Games were first organized in 1985. The members of this association are 24 islands from around the world and the games are organized every two years.
For more information one can log on to https://www.orkney2025.com/ and visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gozoislandgamesassociation .
Photo (MGP
