THE Island Games Association of Jersey held their Vin D’Honeur awards night last night at the Jersey Hockey Club, celebrating the performances of Jersey’s athletes, teams and volunteers at the recent 2025 Orkney Island Games last month, with teenage swimmer Filip Nowacki scooping two of the top prizes.
The 2025 Orkney Island Games proved a resounding success for Team Jersey, who finished second on the medals table with a grand total of 75 medals, including 30 gold, 25 silver and 20 bronze, finishing behind only the imperious Faroe Islands team.
Six awards were given on the evening, where Nowacki was honored with both Jersey Sport Young Athlete of the Games award and the JEP Bill Custard Memorial Trophy.
Nowacki, still just 17 years of age, secured a remarkable 11 medals in his debut Island Games. Alone, he contributed a third of the team’s 33 medals, including eight gold, one silver and two bronze.
After making British swimming history just weeks before the Games by breaking Adam Peaty’s British junior record in the 100m Breaststroke event at the European Junior Championships, Nowacki took Orkney by storm.
Competing in seven individual events, Nowacki broke five Island Games records in the 50m, 100m, 200m Breaststroke events and the 100m and 200m Individual Medley events. He was also a key part of the 4x100m Medley Relay team that also set a new Games record, alongside teammates Isaac Thompson, Sam Sterry and Isaac Dodds.
The first award of the evening was The Bob Blake Award, which was presented to a leading team member outside of the competing athletes, which went to Jersey’s Cycling team manager – and former competitor – Andy Hamon.
Jersey’s cyclists returned ten medals in Orkney between both road and mountain bike disciplines, including five gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
The IGAJ said of Hamon: “Andy has been a stalwart member of the Island Games for many years.
“He not only has managed the cycling team but driven the equipment van, giving up extra time on top of his managerial role. He earns great respect from his athletes and is a key member of the squad.
“He has also chaired the Island Games cycling technical committee giving his expertise to other islands.
“Sadly, going forward Andy will be stepping down from both roles but will continue to be involved with the cycling team and the technical committee.
“Andy thoroughly deserves the recognition of his contribution to the IGAJ in being nominated for this trophy.”
The Tony Richomme Trophy followed, presented to a competitor who displayed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the Games, which was awarded to Athletics competitor Tyler Johnson.
The IGAJ continued: “Not only did Tyler excel in his main event, the 400m, but he also stepped up without hesitation to compete in the 200m when a teammate was injured.
“His selfless commitment saw him make the final in both events – an incredible achievement that meant the Tyler competed in more athletic events than any other athlete at the games – a total of ten events including the relays.
“However, it was his actions beyond competition that truly set him apart. Just before the 200m final Tyler noticed a young Guernsey athlete in tears due to nerves. Without being asked, he took the time to comfort him and give him a mini pep talk to calm him and boost his confidence.
“This moment of kindness and encouragement perfectly captured the spirit of the Games and what the Tony Richomme Award stands for.”
The Gill Phillips Shield was next. This award is for those members of the IGAJ family who work closely with the IGAJ secretary during the run up to the games or perhaps throughout the games.
This person would generally be in the background, making sure that all entries are in on time, tracksuits are ordered and sized correctly, accommodation and flight details arranged and distributed to the team and secretary.
During the games it may be someone who has gone that “extra mile” to make sure that their team has got everything they need to be competitive and successful, this may be a driver for the team or delivering vital supplies. In short, this award is for those individuals who make Team Jersey special.
The Shield was awarded to Jersey Post drivers Toby Payne and Alan Tardival, as the IGAJ said: “These two were nominated for their hard work in getting the equipment vans to and from the games, as well as all the help and support they gave everyone when it was needed.
“Their commitment and friendliness to all the team members, always with a smile on their faces, was welcomed by everyone and we honor them with this award.”
The IGAJ chairman Steve Jacobs presented his own award for team spirit and sportsmanship, which was awarded to Jersey’s Squash team.
