ORGANISERS of the Orkney International Island Games are appealing for volunteers to support the island’s largest-ever event.
In July 2025, Orkney will welcome over 2000 competitors and officials from around the world to the Scottish islands.
More than 700 volunteers are required to support the event and organisers are appealing to the public to register to volunteer.
The games, running from July 12-18, will see athletes from up to 24 island groups from across the world compete in 13 sports: archery, athletics, badminton, bowls, cycling, clay shooting, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming, and triathlon.
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It is the 20th International Island Games.
At an event at Kirkwall’s Pickaquoy Centre hosted by LibDem MSP Liam McArthur, over 50 would-be volunteers found out more about the opportunities to get involved.
From marshalling crowds and welcoming visitors to assisting individual sports and helping with transportation or IT, organisers say “there really is something for everyone to play their part in making the games a success”.
Bev Clubley, Orkney resident and lead on ceremonies, encouraged other residents to apply.
She said; “It’s a once and a lifetime opportunity and I had to get involved and play a part in showing Orkney as the incredible place it is. The impact on the community will be massive and I want it to feel like a celebration of people.
"Volunteering is such an amazing way to get involved with the games, it opens up other avenues other than sports and gives us creatives a chance to be part of it and make it a success.”
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Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, said: “These games represent a fantastic opportunity to showcase the outstanding beauty of Orkney, foster relationships across islands and nations, and provide a long, lasting legacy for sporting participation in the area.
"Sport is a community endeavour that brings people together and this simply wouldn’t happen without the fantastic contributions made by volunteers; from coaches and officials, to event organisers, and trustees on boards.
“Volunteering has the power to make an impact on both society and to our own health and wellbeing. It brings so many benefits – not only improving skills, but making new friends and most of all, having fun. It really is one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
Volunteers must be over the age of 16 from July 1 2025 and can apply here.
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