Athletes in final push ahead of 2025 Island Games

Jersey athletes are making their final preparations with one month to go until the 2025 Island Games in Orkney.

From 12 to 18 July, the Scottish archipelago will welcome about 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups around the world to compete in 12 sports.

Jersey teams are competing in multiple sports including football, cycling, triathlon, and athletics.

Half marathon runner George Rice, who won a bronze medal at the Guernsey games in 2023, said he was "sharpening up" for Orkney's hilly landscape.

Mr Rice said he was "feeling good" as he prepares for the competition while still recovering from a sprained ankle.

"I'm starting to build some nice fitness," he said.

"Last week I did just over 100km (62 miles) running.

"I've just been running every day, I do a half marathon most Sundays, not competitively though.

"The next few weeks will be just sharpening up, probably doing some specific training because I know the half marathon's quite a hilly course."

Mr Rice said he was hoping to bring home another medal.

"I went to Guernsey and that was a great games and I imagine it will be quite similar," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the camaraderie getting all the islands together and just the overall atmosphere is really good."

Jersey's women's football side were also heading to the games in July.

They have been drawn in a group with Bermuda, the Shetland Islands and the Isle of Wight.

Their manager Chad Morris said his team was currently training "full on three times a week".

"You couldn't ask for more from the players who are just buying into everything that the coaches do," he said.

"It's going to be a good test, tough group, but really looking forward to it."

Mr Morris said there were "mad logistics" in of getting the whole team to Orkney.

"It's all worth it when you're there because a great week awaits," he said.

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