TEAM JERSEY’S athletes have begun arriving in Birmingham ahead of a Commonwealth Games that, at one stage, looked as if it might not go ahead.
Durban was stripped of hosting duties for the quadrennial event in 2017 due to financial constraints, sparking a frantic process of finding a city to step in and take the reins.
Birmingham unanimously won the bid, making the Games the first top-flight multi-sport event hosted in Britain since Glasgow staged it in 2014.
The Island’s elite athletes are now just days away from performing on the world stage.
Despite the Caesareans being spread across four villages, general team manager Morag Obarska has said Jersey were doing everything they could to maintain the buzz and atmosphere between the athletes.
Competition begins on Friday, following the opening ceremony at Alexander Stadium tomorrow evening.
‘The last 24 hours things have really started to ramp up here, with some of the larger teams arriving,’ said Obarska.
‘Each Games has a its own type of atmosphere and here that is created across the separate living quarters.
‘’You can certainly feel the extra space and they are set around a lake, which feels very peaceful and pleasant for our athletes.
‘There have been a few teething issues in trying to transform university accommodation into a Games Village, but all our athletes seem comfortable and happy.’
One benefit of the multi-village approach is as a preventative measure against any Covid cases spreading.
In a common Games village, if there were to be an outbreak, the impact would be far greater than the ring-fenced approach of Birmingham.
Jersey athletes will experience added support with the Games in England, as opposed to Durban.
Obarska said: ‘It will be so nice to have our local press over here. Obviously there was a presence in the Gold Coast, but given how close Birmingham is, there will be far greater coverage.
‘Not only that, it is a much easier trip for our home supporters to make and when you see some of the events, I really think we could have a large Jersey contingent cheering our athletes on. That can only help our team feel at home.
‘Even coming out for the opening ceremony in the Gold Coast, Jersey flags were everywhere – they really stand out. I think with this Games being the United Kingdom, it will be even more special for the whole team and we cannot wait to get going.’
