The Convenor Congratulates The Western Isles Competitors |
17 July 2005 |
| The convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Alex MacDonald, has congratulated the Western Isles competitors who took part in the Island Games in Shetland last week. Mr Macdonald also commented on the superb facilities and infrastructure in Shetland which are a result of Community benefit.
Mr. MacDonald said: "Congratulations are due to everyone who participated and particularly to those who brought medals back to the Western Isles. Participants tried very hard and as a result won six medals. This was a fantastic start for the Western Isles competing for the first time in the games. It was a privelidge for the Western Isles to be competing in such an event. The atmosphere was wonderful and evoked memories of the 1970 Commonwealth Games that have come to be known as the Friendly Games. Many commentators noted that the island games are now more representative of the Olympic Spirit than the real thing! Thanks also goes out to the islands sponsors - Uist Builders and Bardon Aggregate." The Convenor also praised the superb facilities and hospitality in Shetland. He said: "The sporting and community facilities in Shetland are amongst the best in Europe as is their general infrastructure. It would be an honour for the Western Isles to host such an event as the Island Games but economically that is not an option. Shetland’s ability to host the games is directly attributable to the boost their economy has had through community benefits from oil funds. It is interesting to note that Shetland has now chosen to invest a major part of its considerable oil reserves in developing what could become the largest on-shore windfarm in the world. They clearly see renewable energy and large scale windfarms as the best means of retaining and growing their wealth for the benefit of the wider community. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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