The Caesareans set to sail to Sarnian shores yesterday, carrying more than 200 medal hopefuls, along with 40 support staff.
There is an Olympic feel about this staging.
Due to the enforced break through the pandemic, four years have now elapsed since 2019 in Gibraltar and the anticipation is palpable, according to Jersey’s general team manager.
Our athletes combined to top the medals table on that occasion. However, Morag Obarska confessed that after a four-year hiatus, it is difficult to know what to expect.
She said: ‘I think the anticipation is probably heightened for this Games due to the amount of time that has passed since Gibraltar.
‘It is hard to know what to expect from the other Islands as it has been so long since we have seen them.
‘Some of the younger athletes from previous Games will have matured and be more competitive, as well as new faces that have waited a long time for their opportunity.
‘That aspect certainly adds a different slant on the Island Games and I think everyone is just excited to get going.’
Eight years have passed since Jersey’s successful home Games, but for the first time since then, they return to the Channel Islands, offering Islanders a more realistic chance to travel and support.
Despite the accommodation issues that arose in preparation for Guernsey 2023, Obarska is hopeful that Jersey will have plenty of red support on their sister isle.
‘Hopefully, we will get that extra bit of support being so close to home,’ she said.
‘I know trying to get a place to stay has proved tricky, but we are hopeful that we will have some numbers over there to help cheer our athletes on.
‘The Guernsey crowd are sure to be vocal and that will add a little extra spice to the week with the rivalry, so we will need all the support possible.’
While Jersey have a proud history in the competition, leading the all-time medal table, the ‘Friendly Games’ offer athletes a chance to renew old friendships outside the heat of battle.
The Caesarean team manager has been involved in multiple Commonwealth Games, but believes that the Island Games has a unique ability to bring participants together.
She said: ‘There is much less formality with the Island Games.
‘The atmosphere is very friendly and I think the athletes enjoy being in that environment.
‘We have a squad of over 200, which is far more than we bring to a Commonwealth Games.
‘That gives our squad a chance to get to other sports and cheer on their fellow athletes in their downtime.
‘It really does feel like a whole team culture and we love being such a large squad.’
The opening ceremony is slated for 5pm today, situated along the St Peter Port seafront, which includes a parade of 2,500 athletes from 24 islands.
