The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is proud to support three Manx teams hoping to strike gold in the Island Games next month.
The Company will transport equipment for the football, archery and cycling teams who will represent the Island in Jersey during the event that runs from Saturday, June 27th until Friday, July 3rd.
While the majority of the Isle of Man squad across all sports will fly to Jersey, the amount of equipment needed for football, archery and cycling mean these teams will each ship their gear over in a van.
Joy Gough from the Isle of Man Archery Club said: ‘We depend hugely on the support given to us by the Steam Packet Company. Our competitors have to travel with their bows and shooting kit when competing, and sometimes our squad can consist of up to 16 archers. The amount of equipment to transport makes it both impracticable and too expensive to travel by air. The nature of the sport means competition fields are invariably in the countryside and therefore travelling with a vehicle is vital. This is where the Steam Packet Company really helps.’
Frank Stennett, Isle of Man Football Association Chief Executive, said: ‘We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Steam Packet Company for many years and would like to thank all the support staff, both onshore and working on vessels. Travelling by ferry is ideal for many of our football trips, as we take a considerable amount of luggage, football kits, balls and training tops without any check-in issues. The Steam Packet Company has always catered for our requirements, assisting the numerous Manx football teams that participate in grassroots football.’
Scott Morgan of the Isle of Man Cycling Association said: ‘Over the course of the year many Island cyclists compete in mountain bike, road, track and BMX races, all of whom need to get bikes and cars over to the UK and beyond. The Steam Packet Company has always been helpful in making these journeys affordable for the athletes and families involved. The Company’s generosity has always helped our top cyclists gain experience against some of the world’s best.’
‘The Island Games is a wonderful event and we are happy to help these three teams,’ said Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward. ‘We wish each competitor – indeed the entire Manx squad – all the very best for the Games and hope they enjoy what should be a fantastic experience.’
