Latest news with #InternationalIslandGames
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Family of bakers on a roll as they take four Island Games medals
The family of bakers have been on a roll, taking four medals at the lawn bowls during the 20th International Island Games in of the Rendall family secured two gold and two silver medals across all five events, taking Orkney to the top of the medals table for the bowls and dad Ruth and George Rendall and son and daughter in-law Greg and Isla Rendall all scooped described the result as a "pleasant surprise" and said it was an "honour" to play alongside his family. On Tuesday for the men's pairs Mark Causer and George Rendall won gold. Isla Rendall went home with silver from the women's singles while Ruth Rendall and her first cousin Lizzie McConnachie won silver in the women's pressure was then on Greg Rendall when he competed in the men's triples with Barrie Bruce and Kevin Watters, but he rose to the occasion. "I suppose there is a titch of relief there. I mean overall, I'm just chuffed for everybody, for the whole club," he said. The family regularly play together but often as said: "It's always very good to play with the family. It's always been a bit of rivalry between Isla and Greg and me and Ruth with lunch games and stuff. "But it's an honour to all be playing and it's an even bigger honour to come away with a medal today."Both Isla and her father in-law, George, say the crowds motivated them with about 500 spectators visiting the green every day. They hope a boost to the sport's popularity will be a legacy of the games. "A lot of them didn't know where the bowling green was, so hopefully we will see a few more of them on it once the games is by," said said: "Being at the bowling green compared to what we are used to, it was like centre court at Wimbledon or something. "The shouts and the cheers, it certainly did me a lot of good anyway knowing you have the home crowd behind you. It's just something you can't describe."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Today at the Island Games: What's in store for Team IOW on day six?
A thrilling day of sport lies ahead as Team IOW prepares for one of the most action-packed and potentially medal-laden days of the International Island Games in Orkney. With major conclusions looming in sailing and golf, and high-stakes competitions across athletics, swimming, badminton, football, and cycling, the energy around the team is electric. After four days of strategic battles on the waves, all attention will be fixed on the sailing events as they come to a dramatic close. Arthur Farley has already secured a gold medal in his individual event, but the race isn't over yet. Teammates Harry White and Oliver Mayo remain firmly in contention for podium finishes, and the overall team event is still wide open. With favourable conditions and fierce competition, today's races promise to deliver gripping moments on the harbour. Read more: Island Games day six: Live Team IOW updates from Orkney Guaranteed gold and double bronze for Team IOW on Island Games day five The golf course also sets the stage for a nail-biting finale. Just a single point separates the medal positions in both the men's and women's competitions. Nathaniel Riddett surged up the leader board yesterday after a superb round, and he enters today with a clear shot at a bronze. Meanwhile, Sophie Beardsall continues to impress with her composed and consistent play, positioning herself within striking distance of the individual gold. Both the men's and ladies' teams have performed with determination and skill throughout the week, making today's final rounds especially significant. Elsewhere, the badminton team returns to action in the Mixed Doubles competition. With medals already secured earlier in the week, hopes are high for more success on the court. The swimmers dive back into competition this morning with the heats, aiming to book as many spots as possible in tonight's finals. The relay squads and individual swimmers have shown immense promise all week, and the final sessions are expected to be just as competitive. The women's football team is back on the pitch this afternoon in what is anticipated to be a lively and well-contested match against hosts Orkney. The fixture not only tests Team IOW's talent but also reflects the camaraderie and respect built between the islands during the week. Cycling fans will turn their focus to the rugged terrain as the men's Mountain Bike Cross Country event gets underway. It's another demanding test of endurance and agility, and the Team IOW riders are ready to tackle the challenge with grit and confidence. Athletics continues to deliver some of the Games' most captivating moments, and today's events are no exception. Finals in the 110m hurdles see Jacob Patey, Eden Canning, and Sophie Hogton take to the track, each aiming to convert weeks of training into Games glory. Later this evening, the 4x100m relay heats for both men and women promise fireworks, as Team IOW looks to make a strong showing in the sprints. The night concludes with Archie Pearson, who has enjoyed a remarkable run of form throughout the week, stepping onto the track once more for the Men's 5,000m final. With athletes competing across multiple venues and disciplines, Team IOW supporters will be dashing across Orkney today to keep up with the action. From the greens and the harbour to the pool, track, and court, this promises to be a pivotal day filled with emotion, excitement, and the unmistakable spirit of the Games. As competition reaches its peak, TeamIOW is ready to give everything in pursuit of medals, personal bests, and unforgettable memories.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Guaranteed gold and double bronze for Team IOW on Island Games day five
Team IOW celebrated another exceptional day of sport in Orkney, continuing their strong showing at the International Island Games with two bronze medals and a wave of personal bests, team pride, and standout performances across multiple disciplines. In the athletics arena, Skyler Brown took on a daunting challenge in the shot put event, competing against nine-time gold medallist Linda Kivistik of Saaremaa. Undeterred by the calibre of her competition, Skyler described the experience as 'more inspiring than intimidating.' She went on to deliver a remarkable throw of 9.74 metres, a performance that electrified the team and lifted spirits across the board. Meanwhile, on the badminton court Anna Showan delivered a confident win over the Faroe Islands in her opening match of the day. Her victory propelled her into the semi-finals, ensuring at least a bronze medal. Although she was ultimately defeated in straight sets, her poise and strength on the court were widely admired by teammates and competitors alike. In the men's competition, Jacob Honnor faced early disappointment with a loss in the first round, but rebounded brilliantly to win the consolation competition, known as the Plate. In golf, the competition grew more intense as the final day approached. Nathaniel Riddett climbed the men's leaderboard and is now just one point behind third place. The men's team currently sits in the bronze medal position heading into the final round, maintaining strong form throughout the week. On the women's side, Team IOW remains dominant. The women's team is firmly in gold medal position, with Sophie Beardsall only a single point away from the individual lead. Both she and her teammates have delivered consistent, high-calibre performances, setting up what promises to be an exciting conclusion on the course. The cycling road race offered one of the day's most dramatic moments, concluding with a five-bike sprint to the finish line. George Spooner rode with outstanding tenacity, ultimately finishing in fifth place. The margin between him and the gold medalist was mere fractions of a second, underlining the fiercely competitive nature of the event. In the pool, the momentum continued. Mylea Gobby delivered another impressive swim, while George Hayward once again qualified for a final. Both the men's and women's relay teams also secured places in their respective finals, ensuring that the final days of the games will be rich with opportunity. Team IOW's presence in the athletics stadium has been impossible to miss. Dressed in their signature red hoodies, supporters have created a vibrant and vocal 'red wall' of encouragement. Their cheers echo throughout the arena, drawing comments and admiration from spectators and competitors across other islands. On the track, Ellen Williams put in a spirited performance in the women's 5,000 metres, finishing in a commendable tenth place. Her positivity and determination captured the essence of the team's spirit. Archibald Pearson continued his strong form in the middle-distance events, advancing to the final of the 800 metres after another successful heat. As the competition nears its end, all eyes turn to the harbour, where the sailing events will wrap up. Arthur Farley is guaranteed to take home a gold medal, while teammates Harry White and Oliver Mayo remain strong contenders for further podium finishes. The overall success of the sailing team has been a highlight of the Games for Team IOW. While today's medal wins are a point of celebration, the team remains grounded in their values. For Team IOW, the Games are not solely about podium finishes. The breakthroughs in personal bests, the growth and promise shown by developing athletes, and the infectious team camaraderie have made this week a deeply meaningful experience. With two days of competition remaining, athletes are either pushing through their final events, preparing for their moment on the stage, or proudly supporting their teammates. The spirit of the Games in Orkney has been extraordinary. The Island has welcomed TeamIOW with warmth and enthusiasm, and the stunning weather has only enhanced the experience. With so much talent on display and more excitement to come, TeamIOW is closing in on what could be a triumphant and unforgettable finish to a remarkable week.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Island Games: 'I've visited over 5000 football grounds around the world'
Steve Broughton is a high scorer in what is known as "groundhopping" - a hobby which involves attending football matches at different stadiums far and has notched up an impressive tally during his decades-long pastime, attending games at more than 5,000 football grounds around the world. This week he is in Orkney with his partner, Joanne Sheppard, to tick off even more grounds during the 2025 International Island Games. "I just generally collect football grounds by watching a game on each one," Steve says. "I've been doing it for about 35 years and over that time, I've gone to about 5,250 grounds." Steve grew up in London, but was born in Leicester. He now lives in Manchester with first game was England v Holland at Wembley Stadium when he was just 14- years-old and he has retained an interest in international year alone he has been to five matches in Serbia, including a couple in the country's top tier Super does go abroad to watch games, but not as often. He's aiming to see at least one match in every country that's in UEFA. He currently has 10 left to visit. Outside Europe, he's been to games in South Africa, USA and Canada. "I used to go and watch the local non-league team where I grew up and when I moved away to college, I started going to different matches," he said."I found it more interesting going to different games each week, rather than supporting a club."The 56-year-old runs a blog called 'Steve B The Groundhopper', where he writes a brief report on each of the matches he this year's Island Games - which has returned to Scotland for the first time since 2005 - has provided an ideal opportunity to increase his tally. Ten of the 24 islands in the games are competing in the football which is being hosted by schools and community centres across has previously been to the island games in the Isle of Wight in 1993. "The way the tournament works is there's seven grounds being used. Two of them, I have been to before, the other five I haven't," said Steve. "Over the course of three days, I can tick off all five while also enjoying the sights and sunshine, making a holiday out of it."As a form of football tourism, he says it's a pastime that combines a love of the beautiful game with the joys of travel and exploring. "I go all over," he said. "I certainly remember going to Eriskay in the Western Isles which I think is quite famously an unusual ground in a fantastic setting. "Places like that are based in community. When the football's on, the whole community comes out in support to watch the game." Joanne says she is a football fan too and enjoys the trips to see new places."I am a football fan but I'm not a groundhopper," she said. "I don't go to every game, I certainly haven't been to 5,250 grounds."What I like about it is that I get to come along and see loads of different places. I mean, who wouldn't want to come to Orkney in this weather?"
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
St Helena teen sprinter's 5,000-mile journey for Island Games
Teenage sprinter Tyler Anthony has just made the biggest journey of his 15-year-old left his home island of St Helena to travel to Orkney for the 20th International Island epic trip had several steps considering he was coming from the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, roughly 4,850 miles flew from St Helena to Johannesburg, then to the UK, followed by a coach trip to Manchester, a flight to Aberdeen and, finally, a ferry to Orkney. Despite being so far from home, Tyler is not far from four other teammates, he is staying with St Helena's chief vet - who happens to have a house in Kirkwall. Andy Cant, who is originally from Orkney, is currently working in St Helena, but has kept his house back Tyler first qualified for the games, the word went out that he was looking for said: "Andy's wife, Alice, rang and she said 'Don't look for accommodation, you can come and stay with us in Orkney'."Because Andy and Alice are from Orkney, there's loads of athletes coming round the house. "So you get to mix and talk and ask how their training is, what they're doing and make it a friendly environment."Tyler was surprised by the weather in Orkney and has quickly warmed to the archipelago."It's just like back home in St Helena. Everything is small, everyone's cultural, it's really nice." For Tyler, the Island Games is the biggest sporting event he has ever been part St Helena team will be competing in athletics, squash and he is a bit nervous, he is mostly excited about the competition. Tyler, who will line up in the 100m and 200m, is one of the youngest competitors at the said: "It really is amazing, the best thing that's ever happened to me to be honest. "From the day I qualified, it's been on my mind ever since."The teenager usually trains twice a week on a Monday with a local athletics club, and on a Wednesday with a personal coach. Tyler hopes to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next summer and would love to one day break into the "big world of athletics". He was first inspired to take up running when he was around recalled: "I think I was in year four when I was in this athletics club. "The coach's son had qualified for the island games and that was my first time hearing about it. "He left a few weeks after and watching him on TV running."It kind of gave me the inspiration to train and do it in the future."Tyler hopes to get a medal at the Island Games this year and said he was taking the competition seriously. And so far he has attracted a lot of attention from locals and spectators in Orkney. Tyler competed in his 100m heat on Sunday and finished sixth with a time of will take part in the 200m race on said: "When I was walking up for the 100m, we had our St Helena crowd. "There were a few people here and there, cheering for St Helena. "I think it was a group of people from Orkney, who were further up from the 100m start and they were all cheering for me and I was so surprised. "It's very amazing to have a crowd cheering for me."People back home have also been showing their support. On BBC Radio Orkney's request music program on Friday night, he received 19 messages of good luck.
