Island youngsters from athletics, tennis and sailing benefited enormously from last year’s events in Gran Canaria, when Jersey competed but they were unable to win medals.
Tennis, athletics and the sailing teams will compete again next week – together with a team of swimmers.
Jersey affiliated to the Comité d’organisation Jeux des Iles (COJI) last October so this year they are eligible to win medals.
Tennis team manager Hugh Raymond said: ‘The competition is excellent and all the sports are looking forward to taking part again.
‘Athletics manager Andrew Winnie and I are convinced that our competitors, who are much the same ones who competed last year, will be much closer to the top this time.
‘They are maturer, they know what to expect and although the French islands are ahead of us by way of standards the rest of the islands are about the same standard as us.’ Sailing team manager David Carter said: ‘We, too, took a young team last year and everyone enjoyed themselves.
The competition was extremely good and with us taking the same youngsters this time they all know what they will be up against.’ The Jersey party leave the Island on Tuesday with the opening ceremony taking place on Wednesday evening.
Competition is on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Education, Sport and Culture director Derek de la Haye will accompany the Jersey team together with ESC president Mike Vibert.
Jersey’s team comprises eight athletes, seven swimmers, four tennis players and four sailors.
