Fresh ideas from one of Europe’s most successful sporting island communities could help shape the future of sport in Orkney following a fact finding visit to the Faroe Islands.
Elaine Harcus, Orkney Islands Council’s Team Leader for Sports and Leisure, has returned from a study visit organised by Sportscotland with new insights into how the Faroes have built an impressive sporting culture ahead of hosting the 2027 Island Games.
The visit coincided with the traditional one year countdown event for the Games, which will welcome around 2,500 athletes from 24 island communities between 3 and 9 July next year.
Alongside representatives from Island Games teams, Elaine joined a programme examining sports development, facilities, coaching, volunteer recruitment and participation, with the aim of bringing successful ideas back to Orkney.
She said one lesson stood out above all others.
“I would say simplicity seems to be the key to the success of sport in the Faroes.
“The Faroe Islands are hugely successful in terms of sports performance, participation and volunteer workforce, and there’s so much we can learn from them.
“It was incredibly valuable to gain insight into their approach, the work they do and their successes and challenges.
“We covered areas including elite sport, coach education, volunteer workforce and links with schools, clubs and the Health Service, and we took a great deal away from the information shared with us.
“As well as meeting with members of the Faroese Sporting Federation, we were included in the facility tours as part of the Island Games one year to go event.
“Their facilities are incredible and the tours also gave us the opportunity to connect with those working in sport from the other Islands.
“We’ve gained many ideas, reflections and contacts that I have no doubt will be useful in continuing to develop sport in Orkney.”
The visit also highlighted the importance of collaboration between island communities, with delegates sharing ideas and experiences ahead of next summer’s competition.
Garry Burton, Head of Active Communities at Orkney Islands Council, said:
“Elaine’s invitation to visit the Faroe Islands is a testament to the strength of the partnership between the Council and Sportscotland, and to the value placed on the excellent work being delivered across Orkney sport.
“The knowledge and experience that Elaine gains through this opportunity will be brought back to Orkney and help drive the continued development and success of sport across our communities.”
The Betri Island Games will be the second time the Faroe Islands have hosted the event, having previously welcomed athletes in 1989, while Orkney successfully staged the Games last year.
With preparations now entering their final year, the lessons learned in the Faroes could help strengthen sport across Orkney long after the closing ceremony in 2027.
