Ekstrom says Aland are prepared

The Games will run from the 27 June - 4 July in Aland.

The Executive Committee of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) has met in Menorca to discuss the 2009 Natwest Island Games in Aland.

At the meeting the chairman of the Aland Committee, Dick Ekstrom, presented a detailed progress report.

Ekstrom announced: "We're well prepared and look forward to welcoming all our friends to enjoy friendship and sport."

The 13th Island Games get under way in Aland, a Swedish-speaking island in Finland, on 27 June.

The Aland Games look set be the biggest so far with a record number of competitors.

There will be representatives from all 25 of the member islands, with Jersey bringing the largest team of 251 accredited personnel and St Helena the smallest team of just six.

The meeting held in Mahon, was the first time Menorca had hosted an IIGA Committee since it joined the organisation in 2005.

IIGA chairman Jorrgen Petterson said: "Menorca has brought cultural diversity to the IIGA and many good sportsmen and women to the NatWest Island Games."