Guernsey will host the NatWest Island Games for a third time in 2021.

It will be the first time an island has hosted the event three times after the International Island Games Association made the decision at its annual general meeting in Gotland last weekend.

“Guernsey is proud to have been selected to host the 2021 Island Games,” Dame Mary Perkins, the organising committee’s chairwoman, said.

“The island has twice been a former host of the Games, once in 1983 and again in 2003. Many of the facilities required are already built and are of an international standard.

“Guernsey has strong support from their Government, both financially and in assisting in many ways to ensure the success for all athletes taking part.

“We are looking forward to fostering and encouraging friendship with all our fellow island communities.

“As chairwoman of the organising committee, I look forward to selecting the team to making 2021 enjoyable and worthwhile to all our friends in the 24 member islands.”

Other decisions made at the AGM included the announcement from Gibraltar that beach volleyball and road cycling will be part of the Games when the British Overseas Territory plays host in 2019.

“Gibraltar initially only included the sports we were totally confident of hosting successfully,” Linda Alvarez, a Gibraltar official, said. “A feasibility study had to be carried out regarding cycling.

“Both beach volleyball and cycling are relatively new to our island games association sports and we are pleased to be able to include them to help with their continued development”.

The AGM took place in Gotland, which will host the Games next year, and delegates were shown the sporting venues and competitor accommodations which will be used.

“Gotland is an experienced organiser and they have everything in place to make sure next year’s Games will be a fantastic event” Jörgen Pettersson, IIGA chairman, said.