Ynys Môn is a step closer to hosting its very own mini-Olympics in 2025 after Anglesey Council approved financial backing.
The Full Council today (Tuesday, May 14th) agreed in principle to support a request from the Ynys Môn Bid Committee to underwrite the cost of hosting this international sporting event.
Councillors were keen to highlight the economic, environmental or social well-being benefits the Games would bring. However, with cost of hosting currently around £1.4m, they also stressed the need for Ynys Môn Bid Committee to achieve the income targets set in the business plan.
Ynys Môn is a founding member of the International Island Games Association having competed at the inaugural event on the Isle of Man in 1985. Once every two years, thousands of athletes from across the globe - from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic to the Caribbean – visit a member island to compete.
Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, said, “We are pleased to endorse and support the Ynys Môn bid and hosting such a special event will offer significant legacy benefits.”
“Whilst we have agreed to underwrite the Games, there will, of course, be conditions to minimise any potential costs to the Council. This will include representation on the bid committee moving forward to ensure proper governance, financial control and that local fundraising takes place.”
“Our Island has been a loyal member of the International Island Games Association since its inception with hundreds of our athletes competing overseas. Seeing Ynys Môn as host in 2025 will be a fantastic way to celebrate the Island Games’ 40th anniversary and a once in a generation opportunity for our young people, athletes, sportsmen and women.”
She added, “We also look forward of seeing a little glimpse of what Ynys Môn can achieve as it hosts the Inter Games Football Tournaments for both men and women next month.”
The Full Council’s decision is also subject to a robust final business plan from the Ynys Môn Bid Committee and further financial support from Welsh Government and the Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust.
Ynys Môn 2025 Project Bid Chairman, Gareth Parry welcomed the financial support, saying that it meant hosting the Games was now a reality.
He added, “We greatly appreciate the support received from the officers and members at Anglesey Council. Our bid to host the International Island Games in 2025 is progressing well, and this financial support helps Ynys Môn overcome its biggest obstacle to hosting the Games.”
“We now move forward with greater confidence and will engage with local communities, private sector and third sector to ensure we have an Island wide commitment to this major international event. The Ynys Mon Island Games Association is confident that the Island Games will bring huge benefits and allow our Island and its athletes to shine on the international stage.”
The International Island Games Association will decide if Ynys Môn can host the 2025 Games at its AGM on Guernsey in July 2020.
Ends 14.5.19