With the new year comes the much-anticipated return of the Island Games, which is being held on the small Scottish Island of Orkney this time around.

Orkney, which has a population of just 21,000, is situated off the northern tip of Scotland and is accessible by plane and ferry.

One of its most famous landmarks is Skara Bra, and it is a one of Britain’s most fascinating prehistoric villages.

Archaeologists estimate it was built and occupied between 3000BCE and 2500BCE.

The village is older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge.

Read more: 

• Isle of Wight Island Games athletics team announced

• Isle of Wight Island Games 2023 success in shooting swimming football

Island Games 2023. Top left: Team table tennis celebrate a bronze. Bottom left: Grace Poynter with her bronze and next to her, Abi Lacey with her silver. Right: Dan Eckersley claims his silver. (Image: Contributed.) The Orkney Games will comprise 12 sports across a series of venues mainly concentrated in and around Kirkwall, the Island’s main town.

For further information about the Orkney Games, visit the website here.

To keep updated on TeamIOW, including those who have been selected for each sport, click here.

Kev Winchcombe, chair of the Island Games Association, believes the sports facilities on Orkney are exceptional and will enhance the sporting experience for all athletes taking part.

Island Games 2023. Shooting sisters Shelley Sprack and Imogen Reed added to their medal haul in Guernsey with team silver in the ISSF 25m sport pistol team final. (Image: Chantelle Air)

Island Games 2023. Swimming sensation Abigail Lacey won gold in the 100m individual medley swim final. (Image: Chantelle Air) TeamIOW will be a smaller than usual team, comprising 105 athletes, coaches and officials.

Athletes will be competing in eight sports: athletics, badminton, triathlon, swimming, golf, ladies football, sailing and cycling.

Island Games 2023. TeamIOW's clay shooting team of Dan Bishop, Mark Downer and Lee Pitman won gold in the men's English sporting team final. (Image: Chantelle Air)

The Island's half marathon team of Charlie Metcalfe, Holly Newton and Carly Scoble which won gold on the final day of the Island Games 2023. (Image: Chantelle Air) Kev says he is disappointed that some teams have chosen not to attend the event, however, he fully understands a 15-hour coach trip along with inflatable beds in dormitories isn’t everyone’s ideal arrangements.

He is, however, excited about the Games, and looking forward to watching all the sports, particularly the new athletes who will be attending for the first time.

Perron Phipps and Matthew Reed won bronze in the ISSF 25m Centrefire competition. (Image: Chantelle Air)

International discus champion Nick Percy won gold for TeamIOW and set a new record for the Island Games in 2023. (Image: Chantelle Air) He’s keen to thank all those who have provided support and assistance to help TeamIOW attend the Orkney Games.

Although some sponsorship has been obtained, the amount does not cover the full costs.

TeamIOW's silver winning sailors in the team event, comprising team manager Tony Burton, Alex Downer, Noah Evans and twin brothers Charlie and Harry White. (Image: Chantelle Air)

Danny and Katie Bishop celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary in Guernsey by winning gold and silver respectively in the individual English sporting clay shooting events. (Image: Chantelle Air) Therefore, each person attending will have to cover the balance.

Anyone wishing to support TeamIOW should contact Kev by emailing [email protected]