The Island Games gets under way on Saturday

Young people from Guernsey's schools will be adopting team members from their neighbouring island, to make them welcome.

The schools are being twinned with each of the 25 competing islands.

Children will be involved with the opening ceremony on Saturday, as each island's name will be carried by a school pupil.

Chaperoning teams

In addition, 150 students will be carrying out work experience during the week from chaperoning teams to managing sporting locations.

Twenty teachers are also involved in the Games, either as competitors or officials, and trips will be arranged so the youngsters can watch them in action.

There are also plans for an Island Games concert, 'Sing When We're Winning', and a special primary schools football tournament.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 Guernsey residents have volunteered to help during the Games.

Good response

Volunteer co-ordinator Julia Bowditch said it had taken longer than anticipated to receive volunteer forms.

But she said she was really pleased with the response she had received.

She said, although most positions had been filled, she would not turn away volunteers, especially if people could work during the day time.

In case anything goes wrong, she said she wanted to create a reserve list.