Jersey's team at the opening ceremony of the 2009 Island Games in Aland

Jersey has formally submitted its bid to host the Island Games in 2015.

The island last hosted the Games in 1997 and will compete with Gotland to stage the event which has been held every two years since 1985.

Two members of the International Island Games Association [IGA] will visit Jersey in January to examine the facilities on the island.

A final decision on the host island for the 2015 Games will be made by the IGA in June 2010.

Phil Austin, the chairman of the Jersey 2015 Bid Committee, said the IGA need to be sure Jersey has the ability to hold the event.

"Since we last staged the Island Games, both the number of islands the number of competitors has risen and this summer in Aland there were over 3,000 athletes taking part."

The Island Games provide a chance for athletes from small island communities to experience international sporting competition.

There are presently 25 islands who are members of the IGA.

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