New Games sports target Delhi 2010

New Games sports target Delhi 2010

The Commonwealth Games Association’s executive committee have confirmed both sports to their programme for India in three years’ time, to join athletics, swimming, badminton, boxing, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, rugby sevens, squash and weightlifting.

And the news is good for Jersey as both sports have confirmed they will look to affiliate to the Commonwealth Games Association of Jersey.

Archery official Steve Jacobs said: ‘Everyone I’ve spoken to is delighted archery is back, previously it was included as a demonstration sport only.

‘It is very early stages for us but we’re delighted; this gives our shooters a chance to compete at a very high level and, yes, we will be looking to affiliate with Jersey.

‘Archery is very popular in India and I suspect it will be recurve only.

We will have to discuss a qualification level and maybe that’s too big a jump for our archers but it’s great that they will be given a chance.’ Possible candidates could be Karen Daw and Liz Pomroy.

Tennis development officer Hugh Raymond said: ‘This is phenomenal news, great for the players and tennis.

We submitted our application three weeks ago and it will be discussed by the CGA in April.

‘They have a chance to see the world with the Commonwealths and Youth Games, Jeux des Isles events in Corsica and Guadeloupe and Island Games in Rhodes and Aland.

‘I don’t know what the qualifying criteria will be – but I’m confident players like Katie Gouyette, Francesca Dubras, Kirsten McArthur, Scott Clayton, James Faudemer and Charlie Cohen could all be in the frame to go to Delhi if they continue to improve their games.

‘There are so many to choose from, we’ll have to keep pushing them up the levels and those who have the ability will be put forward to go.

‘With all what is going in we also have to look at how were are going to finance it all.

The Lawn Tennis Association and Education, Sport and Culture are very supportive and the CILTA are helping us look at ways of raising further money to help alleviate the high costs for parents.

‘I’ve said it before and I say it again – it is very expensive getting on and off the Island.

The young players have a heavy schedule coming up and it will be around £1,200 for them to play in forthcoming tournaments in Torbay, the County Week and the Island Games – with food and drink to be added.

‘Ten to 15 years ago players had the inter-insular and the Island Games to look forward to.

It’s unbelievable what today’s youngsters can do now and the tournaments are a fantastic opportunity for all of them.’

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