Official Handover of the NatWest Island Games

The closing ceremony of the 13th NatWest Island Games in Åland proved to be a somewhat wet affair after a week of glorious weather. The NatWest Island Games were officially handed over from Åland to the Isle of Wight at the closing ceremony on 4th July 2009. Despite the rain, the spirits of the spectators were not dampened as the procession of island representatives came bearing their flags.

Jörgen Pettersson, the Chairman of the International Island Games Association addressed the crowd of spectators gathered outside the Stadshusbacken. The NatWest Island Games flag was ceremoniously lowered, folded and officially handed over by Jörgen Pettersson to David Ball,  Chairman of the Isle of Wight Island Games Association.

Dick Ekström the Chairman of the Åland Organising Committee and David Ball (pictured left) both gave speeches reflecting on the past week and looking ahead to the next NatWest Island Games in the Isle of Wight

Finally the carnival dancers from the Isle of Wight danced through the crowd providing a colourful display, and a taste of things to come in the 2011 NatWest Island Games. Jörgen Pettersson announced that the NatWest Island Games 2009 were officially closed and the celebrations continued in Games Street.