ATHLETES and officials who were part of the successful Team Jersey mission to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July have been praised at an official reception.
Around 50 people attended the event organised by the Bailiff’s Chambers and held in the Old Library within the States building in St Helier.
The Bailiff, Robert MacRae, congratulated the Island participants, saying they should feel “enormous pride” in representing Jersey on such a prestigious stage.
Recalling his attendance at the opening ceremony, Mr MacRae said: “There is something quite extraordinary about seeing athletes from across the Commonwealth coming together, representing nations and territories of vastly different sizes, but united by a shared passion for sport.”
The Bailiff hailed the Island’s achievement in finishing joint 17th in the medals table thanks to the gold and silver medals gained by swimmer Filip Nowacki, to whom he passed on his congratulations via proud mother Magdalena Nowacki.
“Sport has a remarkable power to unite us, crossing generations, cultures and backgrounds, creating shared moments of excitement, pride and occasionally considerable nervous tension for those watching from the sidelines!” he added.
Mr MacRae thanked the coaches, medics, officials, families, clubs, volunteers and others involved in supporting athletes and told attendees: “You have been wonderful ambassadors for our Island, not simply through your performances, but through your commitment, sportsmanship and team spirit and you have reminded us that Jersey’s size is no measure of its ambition, its talent or its ability to achieve extraordinary things.”
Nathan Jegou, coach and team manager of Jersey’s swimmers, was awarded the Ken Webb trophy for his contribution to the team.
