AN AMBITIOUS team of Isle of Wight table tennis players are aiming to put a positive spin on their Island Games 2023 competition. 

They are among a host of sportspeople heading to Guernsey for the return of the inter-Island competition, dubbed 'The Mini Olympics'.

The County Press is introducing you to those who will be representing us.

Pat Thorley, one of the most senior competitors representing he Isle of Wight at the Games, told the County Press: "We're going to nail it, don't worry. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Dan Burns and George Downing, both in the Guernsey team, in the men's doubles in Gibraltar 2019.Dan Burns and George Downing, both in the Guernsey team, in the men's doubles in Gibraltar 2019. (Image: Island Games Association)

Isle of Wight County Press: Tameesha Hobbs in action in Gibraltar in 2019.Tameesha Hobbs in action in Gibraltar in 2019. (Image: Island Games Association)

"I'm representing the older generation although I haven't done the Island Games before.

"Expect the unexpected, we've been told."

Guernsey and Jersey are the main competition, they think.

The rest of the team comprises Elaine Mills, Temeesha Hobbs, Anna Joyce, George Downing, Scott Lawson, Hugh Idle and Danny Burns, who doubles up as manager.

Dan Burns, the team's captain, is no stranger to playing — and winning medals — at the Island Games over the years.

"This will be my eighth Island Games. The first was in 1995. I played in Guernsey in 2003. Those 20 years have gone quick.

"I officially retired before the 2013 Games in Guernsey, then came back a few years later. to play again.

"So far, I've won nine golds, two silvers and two bronze. I can't stop now, because that's 13 medals. I need one more, then I can retire again," he joked.

Isle of Wight County Press: Anna Joyce has Island Games experience going to Guernsey.Anna Joyce has Island Games experience going to Guernsey. (Image: County Press)

"We've got a great squad this year of four ladies and four men and we're taking coach, Glen Morley."

George Downing, the team's number one player, who plays professionally in Europe, and for some senior National League teams in the UK as well, is the team's biggest medal hopeful.

Scott Lawson makes a return with a few Games under his belt, while Hugh Idle, 21, makes his debut in them and Anna Joyce has previous Games experience.

Tameesha Hobbs will be a medal hopeful having won silver in Gibraltar, alongside newbie to the Games, Elaine Mills.

Dan feels confident he and his team can do themselves proud in Guernsey.

"I'm really pleased with the squad. We've all been training hard every Thursday at Smallbrook. We started our campaign about ten months ago, and we've had more formal sessions with Glen," said Dan.

"The thing that makes the Island Games special — which gave me so much when I was 15 years old, attending my first Games — is that it's a unique, wonderful experience.

"There will be between 2,500-3,000 athletes from across the world, attending this event. It's going to be an incredible.

Isle of Wight County Press: Pat Thorley will be one of the elder stateswomen in Team Isle of Wight going to Guernsey.Pat Thorley will be one of the elder stateswomen in Team Isle of Wight going to Guernsey. (Image: Isle of Wight Table Tennis Association)

Isle of Wight County Press: Hugh Idle will be making his Island Games debut in Guernsey.Hugh Idle will be making his Island Games debut in Guernsey. (Image: Isle of Wight Table Tennis Association)

"You can have all the talent and all the ability in the world, but there's nothing like bringing it onto the bigger stage. If the team can do that, we'll perform well.

"It's nice, in the twilight of my career, I can give back and get them to experience some of the joys I've had.

"For our team and Team Isle of Wight, my message is — do yourselves proud. You've worked hard, you deserve to be there and all you've got to do is go and do it. 

"If everybody plays to the best of their abilities, and we come together as a team, we've got a chance of some medals."