Island Games Association of Jersey chairman Bob McGinnigle confirmed that David Sutton, a highly regarded sports physiologist, who has coached in numerous sports including super bike racing, British Taekwondo, GB windsurfing and with two professional football clubs, is in position to support the Jersey squad for the 2007 Games.
McGinnigle said: ‘We’ve been working in conjunction with Education, Sport and Leisure and David is being brought in to support Team Jersey.
He will be used to help maximise the potential and achievements of all our sports people.
‘He will visit for the first time in December and meet with all the sports who wish to meet with him.
‘The object is to find sports’ weaknesses and supply correct coaching so each can then maximise their potential for Rhodes.
‘We looked for someone who has experience in a wide range of sports and disciplines and David fits the position having achieved much at national level.
‘He has also been involved with the UK anti-doping programme while also being a regular lecturer for various medias.
‘To my knowledge this is a first for a Jersey Island Games team.
Should sports desire it we are also looking at the possibility of a sports psychologist for the the team too.
‘We’ve based this on the experience of the Commonwealth Games team who went to Australia; they said they found it invaluable.’ McGinnigle said that sports would also be provided additional information on Rhodes’ environmental conditions by Jersey-based medical people.
Sutton will have a two-hour introductory session with sports team leaders between 8 and 11 December.
Wednesday evening’s IGAJ council meeting was also given updates on facilities in Rhodes and costs to Jersey competitors.
The construction season has begun in Rhodes, following their hot summer, and work begins on the athletics track on Tuesday.
Major changes to golf facilities will start next month while shooting continues to look for a new venue.
McGinnigle said: ‘All islands have expressed concern about the lack of shooting facilities because of their planning permission.
A new venue is being sought and everything is moving forward quickly.
‘Wherever possible shooting will re-use the equipment that was used for the shooting disciplines used at the Athens Olympic Games.’ Cost per competitor were still at £1,000 before fund-raising and sponsorship are taken into consideration.
Tenders for flights were still being sought.
Accommodation is expected to be finalised in the next month too allowing supporters to make their own arrangements for the Games.
Council also heard that the two vacancies for Patrons have been filled, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor Andrew P Ridgeway, CB, CBE, and Jerseyman Colonel John Blashford-Snell, OBE, joining Island residents Kevin Leech and president Tommy Horton, MBE.
Final testing will shortly be carried out for an IGAJ website.
Months of work have gone into the launch where web-surfers can obtain dynamic updates, constitutions, a hot link to the other islands as well as links to principal Jersey sponsors Le Masurier, Lloyds TSB, who provide further financial support, and Rhodes Island Games sponsors NatWest.
The first of many fund-raising events for Jersey’s competitors will be held on Thursday at Cosmopolitan on the Esplanade.
It is a ladies only evening which will include a batchelor auction.
McGinnigle added: ‘It promises to be a lot of fun as well as raising funds for the Jersey team.
There will be a humourous show, food and bingo and the auction.
A number of men will be auctioned off to accompany the ladies who bid for the use of a private plane and a private boat among many other things.’ Tickets for the show are available from Vowden Sports in Don Street, St Helier.
