THE countdown is on as TeamIOW head off to compete in the 19th Island Games in Guernsey, which starts tomorrow (Saturday) — and the County Press team wishes them all the best of luck as we follow them every step of the way this coming week.  

The eyes of the world will be cast upon the Isle of Wight's 172 competing sporting elites, from 15 teams and 12 disciplines — archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, football, golf, sailing, triathlon, shooting, tennis, swimming and table tennis.

Competing against athletes from 23 islands across the world, over seven days, TeamIOW, are buoyed by all the support they have received as they head out to the Channel Islands today.

Kev Winchcombe, TeamIOW's chairman, said: "I want to thank the management team of the Isle of Wight Island Games Association (IWIGA) for the support they've given me, for the team managers for bringing the teams together, to ensure we have a competitive team going to Guernsey, and to our sponsors and to the Island public, for the support they've given.

Isle of Wight County Press: Multi-Island Games medal winner Dan Burn will be hoping for his 14th so he can retire from table tennis competition. Multi-Island Games medal winner Dan Burn will be hoping for his 14th so he can retire from table tennis competition. (Image: County Press)

"Hopefully, the support will continue throughout the week.

"We've had lots of good luck messages and interest on social media leading up to the Island Games.

"We want people to get online and support us whichever way they can over the next week.

"Having lots of support will undoubtedly raise the morale of competitors, which will inevitably raise the standard of performance."

TeamIOW comprises 212 in total, which also includes team managers, coaches, physios and officials.

Two golfers will have important duties at this evening's opening ceremony.

Multi-medal winner Sophie Beardsall has the honour of carrying the Isle of Wight flag, in recognition of her long service and support to the IWIGA, while Nat Riddett will be the team's official water carrier.

At the opening ceremony, all of the islands are invited to pour water, from their island, into a special water feature, so by uniting all of the islands' water, they become 'one island' — the equivalent of the Olympic rings.