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With effect from May 1st, 2024, Vice Chair Andrew Inkster (Shetland) will take over as Acting Chair of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) following the resignation of Jörgen Pettersson (Åland), who has been the IIGA Chair since 2007.

”I tender my resignation due to my recent election as Speaker of the Parliament of Åland – a tremendous honor, albeit one that brings great challenges and responsibilities. This duty will limit my ability to continue serving as Chair of the IIGA”, Jörgen Pettersson comments.

Pettersson competed in volleyball in the Island Games from the first competition in 1985 in the Isle of Man and continued as a competitor until the 1995 Games in Gibraltar. Since 1997, Pettersson has served on the IIGA Executive Committee and he became Chair in 2007 during the NatWest Island Games in Rhodes.

”I have served on the Executive Committee for a considerable time, cherishing every moment and every Games. Thanks to the IIGA and together with my colleagues, I have forged friendships across the globe and encountered immense joy as well as learned how to confront unexpected challenges. While at times difficult and complex, the journey has been defined by joy and fulfillment. Together, we have made an enduring impact and the future is bright”, Pettersson comments.

Andrew Inkster was involved in organizing the Clay Shooting event for the 2005 Games in Shetland. He was a Clay Shooting competitor during the 2007 Games in Rhodes, and was then elected Chair of the Shetland Islands Games Association in 2008. Inkster joined the Executive Committee in Jersey 2015 and took over as Vice Chair at the Games in Guernsey 2023, following the resignation of James Johnston who continues as a member of the Executive Committee.

”I want to thank Jörgen Pettersson for his contribution to the IIGA over many years and his contribution to the development of an Association that stands strong”, Andrew Inkster comments.

The Executive Committee of the IIGA met in the Faroe Islands from April 18th-21st 2024, and discussed the bid for the Island Games to be held in the Faroe Islands in 2027. The final decision on the bid will be made by the Member Islands during the Annual General Meeting in Orkney in July 2024.

”During our visit, we were extremely impressed by the strong administration of Faroese sport and the dedicated backing from the Government and supporting municipalities. We are confident that the Faroe Islands can provide a fantastic week of sport with some world-class venues and excellent hospitality that will make another Games to remember”, Andrew Inkster comments.

In accordance with the IIGA Constitution, Andrew Inkster will be Acting Chair of the IIGA, until a permanent appointment is made. To ensure continuity and stability within the Association, this process will now commence, and Member Islands will be contacted in the near future to confirm arrangements.