Teams of volunteers for the NatWest International Island Games will be out on the streets delivering letters and leaflets to homes and businesses along the routes of the cycling and triathlon road events and the opening and closing ceremonies. 100 volunteers in green shirts will be making the hand deliveries around the Town seafront, the western parishes, and the west coast.

To ensure the safety of athletes and spectators, there are a handful of Games events that will involve some short temporary road closures. There are three races that require road closures around the western parishes and west coast, and a further three races that necessitate the closure of the Town seafront. The opening ceremony will also take place on the Town seafront, and the closing ceremony will see Foote’s Lane closed.

The Games Organising Committee understands that these closures will cause some disruption, but it is hoped that the four months' advance notice will allow people to plan ahead. It will also be a great opportunity for residents to have a front-row seat on world-class competition, and they are being encouraged to put out flags and bunting.

Communications and Events Director, Amanda Hibbs, said the aim was to create a great Games experience for everyone:

“We last hosted the Games in 2003, and it’s a huge honour to be the first island to host for a third time. This is a once-in-20-years chance for people to enjoy their own unique viewing point of the cycling and triathlon events.

“The quality of the competition and the number of people involved has meant that we are having to implement road closures. On some stretches the cyclists are expected to reach speeds over 30mph.

“The atmosphere is going to be amazing, so we want people to come out, support the Games, and be part of it. Around 400 people have volunteered to be fully trained as marshalls and they will be present along the streets on the day to answer queries and to ensure a safe and smooth event.

“Our volunteers all want to do their bit to help, so we’re delighted that they will be out and about delivering the leaflets with friendly smiles on their faces.

“This is just the start of the communications plan around the road events, we really want to keep everyone fully informed so that they can enjoy the Games events, whilst also being able to go about their day-to-day activities. As we get closer to July, we’ll be releasing awareness videos, and there will be further information on our website at guernsey2023.gg.”

With just over four months to go until they are under starter’s orders, local athletes are looking forward to competing on home soil. Teenager Thierry Le Cheminant from the Guernsey Triathlon Team will be one of the young talents to watch: “I’m really excited about representing Guernsey and I’m looking forward to competing in a home atmosphere, seeing the Guernsey flags, and hearing the support of the local spectators.”

During a closure, there will be no vehicular access along the route. The exception is the cycle road race, where a rolling closure will allow cars to travel one-way behind the convoy for part of the course. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, and people can walk their pedal bikes along the routes. At some junctions, vehicles will be able to cross over routes with the help of fully-trained marshalls. Residents and motorists should rest assured that the road closures will be for the shortest amount of time possible and will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so. Advance warning signs on the affected roads will be put up well before the event.

The Games Organising Committee has worked closely with the sports, douzaines, Traffic & Highway Services, Guernsey Harbours, and JESCC, to try to minimise any inconvenience. The emergency services will have their usual full access. Traffic & Highway Services is committed to focussing any scheduled works during the Games week to minor roads that are remote from events. Community care teams and private care agencies which visit clients in their homes have been given prior warning. Business organisations and relevant charities have also been given advance notice.

Anyone with any queries regarding the closures is welcome to contact the Games Office at info@guernsey2023.gg or phone 01481 720215.

Closure details:

Saturday 8 July from 4pm - Opening Ceremony - North Beach and Town Seafront

Sunday 9 July 8am–5.30pm - Triathlon - Rocquaine and upper parishes

Monday 10 July 9am–1pm - Cycling Time Trial - West coast

Wednesday 12 July 8.30am–2.45pm - Cycling Road Race - Rocquaine and upper parishes - rolling road closure *Special arrangements will be sent out regarding La Hougette School*

Friday 14 July 8am–5.30pm - Half Marathon / Cycling Criterium / Tri Relay - St Peter Port seafront

Friday 14 July 1pm–12.30am - Football Final (men) and Closing ceremony - Foote’s Lane *Special arrangements will be sent out regarding Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre*

The leaflets include comprehensive details about the roads affected and the timings. People living outside the course footprints will be able to pick up leaflets from the constables' offices and other public buildings or you can download a copy.