ORKNEY 2025 INTERNATIONAL ISLAND GAMES VOLUNTEERS

The Orkney 2025 International Island Games Organising Committee has seen an overwhelming boom of support as over 600 volunteers have signed up to join the upcoming games.

The Orkney 2025 International Island Games are set to be the island’s largest event to date.

Now, less than a year away, preparations are in full swing. Volunteers are encouraging others to join them in signing up to keep the momentum going.

In this article:

• About the Island Games
• The role of volunteers
• Meet the volunteers

About the Island Games

The Orkney 2025 International Island Games will showcase Orkney’s exceptional facilities, vibrant atmosphere, and welcoming community.

This event marks the 40th anniversary of the games. It will bring together over 2,000 competitors and officials from 24 islands to compete in 12 sports:

• archery
• athletics
• badminton
• cycling
• football
• golf
• gymnastics
• lawn bowls
• sailing
• squash
• swimming
• triathlon

Gordon Deans, Chair of Orkney 2025 says: “We are thrilled to welcome delegates from so many island groups and are excited to showcase Orkney’s vibrant spirit and culture.

As a long-term volunteer of the games, I know first-hand how rewarding the experience is and the essential role we play in the success of the event, and we look forward to having you join us.”

The role of volunteers

Volunteers will play a crucial role in ensuring the historic event’s success.

The public is invited to join the growing team before applications close on 12 September 2024.

With volunteer numbers already totalling over 600 confirmed participants, there are still places available.

There is a need for those interested in playing a pivotal role in the island’s monumental occasion.

Find our more about volunteering on orkney2025.com

Volunteering at the games offers a unique chance to:

• be at the heart of the action
• meet fascinating people from around the world
• create lasting memories

Volunteer roles include:

• assisting in sporting events
• helping with logistics
• providing information to visitors
• supporting media and communications efforts

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events says “It’s fantastic to see such huge interest in volunteering positions at the Orkney Island Games, because our people are at the heart of our events and one of the country’s key assets.

I am sure they will be fantastic ambassadors for the Games and Scotland, offering a warm welcome to athletes and spectators alike when they arrive on Orkney, the perfect stage for the event, in less than a year.”

Meet the volunteers

Confirmed volunteers are mustering up further support by sharing their experience and advice. The aim is to encourage those still deciding to submit their applications and get involved.

Mike Lucas

Mike Lucas is a former military medic, now works in the School Crossing Patrol.

For Mike, the human interaction means the most.

He is looking forward to the sense of community that the games will bring and loves being able to help people.

Mike Lucas, a School Crossing Patrol and volunteer says “With under a year to go until the Games, I’m already struggling to contain the excitement.

Picturing the first waves of visitors pile in, many of them would never have been to Orkney before.

Getting to experience the true sense of community we have here will be wonderful.”

Robin Nicolson

Robin Nicolson is a driving instructor and volunteer. He first wanted to become a volunteer for the games as a way to reconnect with sports.

Having always been involved in football and rugby throughout his life, he was drawn in by the scale of the games and the opportunity to immerse himself in the heart of competition again.

He recognises Orkney’s deep love for sport, particularly with the younger generation.

Robin Nicolson is a driving instructor and volunteer and says “Neither, rain, sleet or snow stops them being out and embracing the elements pursuing the sports they love.

This strengthens the real sense of community we have here which we’re excited to share with visitors from all walks of life next year.”

Lyndsay Steel

For Lyndsay Steel, Lead General Practice Pharmacist at NHS Orkney and volunteer, volunteering has always played an important role in her life.

Lyndsay volunteered as a Pharmacist at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2024.

She has also been a volunteer gymnastics coach for Orkney Gymnastics Club for the last five years.

For Lyndsay Steel, Lead General Practice Pharmacist at NHS Orkney and volunteer, she says “My passion for sport and community engagement drives me to give back, inspired by the positive experiences and support I’ve received throughout my life.

Volunteering at the Orkney 2025 International Island Games is an exciting opportunity to engage with the community, build friendships, and inspire young athletes in Orkney.”