Gibraltar to Orkney

Rocky cliffs on the south coast provide miles of unspoilt cliff path walks whilst in the north, the high ground gives way to sweeping bays with sandy beaches on the west coast, punctuated by rocks, headlands and old fortresses.

Guernsey hosted the Games in 2003 and the second ever Games in 1987. Along with the Isle of Man they are the only islands to have hosted the Games twice.

Geography & Population

At the 1991 census the population of the island was 58,867. The two main towns are the capital of St. Peter Port and St. Sampson’s, the commercial centre of the island. Bird life and wild flowers offer a profusion of different species which excite the birdwatchers and botanists alike.

History

The Channel Islands became part of the Norman realms in 933AD. In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, landed his army in Sussex and became William I of England. In 1204 King John lost most of the Duchy of Normandy but the Channel Islands chose to remain loyal to the English Crown. This loyalty was rewarded by a charter granting independence.

Government & Economy

Guernsey is self-governing and is responsible for raising its own taxes. The island parliament is called the States of Deliberation, usually abbreviated to "the States". The majority of its members are elected by popular vote; there are no party politics in the island and the constitution of the States differs from that of the British House of Commons. The work of the States is divided between committees dealing with various fields, i.e. advisory and finance, health, housing, island development and education.

The island has a self-supporting economy with the mainstays of its GNP being tourism, horticulture, farming, fishing and light industry. The offshore banking, fund management and insurance activities have made the island an international financial centre, providing about 55% of the island’s income from abroad.

The tourist economy has been carefully monitored by the authorities to ensure that the island does not become too commercialised. The island was a pioneer of hotel grading in the British Isles, adopting its own ‘Crown’ system. This policy has helped to develop tourism into an industry worth about region of £100 million per year, catering for some 700,000 visitors.

Language & Culture

Whilst English is the major language spoken by the inhabitants, some islanders still speak in their native Guernsey French patois and efforts are being made to maintain it as a living tongue. There is a strong desire to keep the ancient heritage of island life and traditions and several societies exist to ensure that they are not lost for future generations. Music and the arts form part of a large part of the social fabric of the island.

Sport & Leisure Activities

There are more than 70 different governing bodies for sport and leisure activities in the island and it is estimated that some 18,700 of the population take part in these activities. The Beau Sejour Leisure Centre — the headquarters of the 1987 Island Games — has a swimming pool, two sports halls, squash courts and fitness centre together with a new indoor tennis centre and an athletics all-weather track with full field events facilities.

Medals in 2007 Games in Rhodes

Gold: 23
Silver: 23
Bronze: 29
Total: 75

Medals in 2005 Games in Shetland

Gold: 40
Silver: 38
Bronze: 29
Total: 107

Medals in 2003 Games in Guernsey

Gold: 55
Silver: 35
Bronze: 37
Total: 127