Games making a positive impact on local businesses

By junior reporters Robyn Surcombe & Harry Snell

Behind the sports scenes, local businesses have been working hard to provide a wonderful experience to visitors and fellow islanders alike.

Operations director and community lead for La Vallette Bathing Pools, Helen Bonner-Morgan, praised the competitors for their use of the pools: ‘‘We’ve seen lots of athletes, local and from abroad, using the pools to cool down after their hard work […] we’re very pleased the pools have been really well used and hugely well appreciated.”

Adam Bayfield (pictured), head of marketing at the Guille-Alles Library, commented on the impact of the Games on island morale: “It’s been a fantastic week for Guernsey; there’s a sense of community and buzz on the island.”

Waitress at Good Rebel, Suranne Kendall, noticed the positive atmosphere created in the restaurant: “Everybody’s been really friendly and nice […] the past few days we’ve had the Cayman Islands’ basketball team and they’re all really friendly.”

All the businesses praised the nature of the Island Games; Suranne stated that it “allows people who are not from here to experience the Guernsey way: the Good Rebel way.” Her advice for future businesses to host the games is to “welcome them [competitors]: be friendly.” Helen was quick to praise everybody behind the scenes of this year’s Island Games: “I want to thank the island games organisers of Guernsey for making this happen: It’s been a really wonderful event.”