Orkney set to welcome the world

Orkney is set to welcome around 2000 athletes from 23 Island groups from across the globe for the 2025 Island Games.

This will be the first time Orkney have hosted the event and 20 years since the last Scottish host, Shetland in 2005, in what promises to be a celebration of sport, culture, and community.

Visitors, athletes, officials and volunteers have arrived for what will be the biggest event ever to take place in Orkney.

From July 12-18 athletes will compete in 12 sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, and Triathlon, with all events free for spectators on a first come-first-served-basis.

HRH The Princess Royal will officially open the Games on Saturday while Games ambassador Lorraine Kelly will host the opening ceremony.

Around 1000 volunteers have stepped forward to take on roles essential to the running of the Games, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators and making sure everyone receives a warm Orkney welcome.

Those unable to travel to Orkney to experience the Games first-hand will be able to follow the action on the Orkney 2025 dedicated YouTube streaming channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Orkney2025  

Read full article from sportscotland here.