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Hosting Island Games will provide 'economic boost'

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Graham Cregeen (white t-shirt)

Facilities said to be key reason behind successful bid

The education, sport and culture minister says bringing the Island Games 'back home' will boost the economy by around £2 million.

It was announced last week that the Isle of Man is the provisional host for the 2027 event.

Gibraltar was the location for this year's Games, with the Manx athletes finishing in second place overall in the medal table with a total haul of 68.

There were concerns over the facilities, however, with some critical of what were perceived to be incomplete buildings.

No roof was in place at the swimming pool, whilst work was still being carried out at the Lathbury Sports Complex athletics track and at the venue for the squash and badminton.

Despite this, all competition went ahead without disruption and the facilities were praised by many of the athletes and coaches.

Graham Cregeen insists the infrastructure currently in place in the Isle of Man was a key factor in the Manx bid to host the Games being successful.

He told Manx Radio having the event on home soil will have a number of benefits:

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