Bermuda basketballer Steven Simons hopes to win his race to be fit for the NatWest Island Games after injuring his knee nearly two months ago.The key member of Bermuda’s squad partially tore his MCL, LCL and meniscus in his left knee during a game, with doctors giving him a recovery period of two to three months.After extensive rehabilitation at Performance Rehab, Simons is optimistic he can be ready for the start of the Games just five weeks after his injury.“I was injured as a result of a reckless play on the part of a fellow competitor during league play,” he said. “I was basically shoved while on a break and my weight was shifted to my left leg forcing my knee to buckle inward.“Initially the doctor's assessment said two to three months, but thanks to the ladies at Performance Rehab I’m very close to a full return only five weeks after the injury.“Due to my extensive work during rehab I’m optimistic about being ready come July 14. I’m pushing the limits everyday and the knee is responding well, I’m back running, jumping, moving laterally.“Now it’s just a matter of testing it during contact and scrimmages.”Having played in every Games since 2003, Simons admitted it would be a huge disappointment if he was to miss out on the biennial event on home soil.“I’ve been to the Island Games every year since 2003 and been blessed to pick up medals each time. Being as this is the first one here on home soil I would be pretty devastated to miss out.“When the injury initially occurred that thought was all that ran through my head, but at the same time it motivated me to suck it up and work hard to get back.“There is nothing like putting on that Bermuda jersey and going to war with my teammates and I don't want to miss that.”Simons also backed the local contingent to win gold for the third sucessive Games.It’s believed Saaremaa, who won silver two years ago, are the only Island to be travelling to Bermuda for the basketball competition.“This year's team is filled with talent from top to bottom. The regular characters are still there like Sullivan Phillips, Chris Crumpler, Dean Jones, John Dee, Jason Lowe, Jason Simons and myself, but we’ve added some great young talent in Tejour Riley, William Trott, Vernon Lambe, Aaron Jackson and Jaren Haley as well,” said Simons.“Preparations could have been a bit better, but I think the uncertainty surrounding the Games hampered that and we just have to deal with it.“We’re excited to finally be able to display our product on home soil in a major competition. Basketball always seems to be pushed to the side here locally and I think people will be very surprised at the quality of our play.“I hope people will come out and support us as we seek to grab gold for the third time in a row.”