Excitement is growing as we enter the final month of qualifying for the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast in April 2018.

Team Isle of Man is limited to just 32 athletes, plus the support and medical staff. This is a number set by the Commonwealth Games Federation which oversees the running of the games. The increasing cost of running International multi-sport events, to the Host cities, has forced organisers to limit the number of participants and to ensure the status of the event is maintained. The 32-athlete limit imposed on Team Isle of Man is based on a number of factors, including how many athletes the association has taken to previous Games. Jersey and Guernsey will have a similar number of competitors.

The Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association is working closely with the nine sports governing bodies to ensure that the strongest possible team will represent the Island in the Gold Coast. The criteria for qualification has been set high as only the top-level athletes are able to represent the Isle of Man at the Games next year. With so many hopefuls achieving these standards it’s clear that the Island’s sporting community has lots to be proud of. The selection process for Team Isle of Man’s 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes is highlighting the outstanding level of talent the Island has

Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association President Basil Bielich said: ‘We would love to have a larger team of Manx athletes at the games but we are only allowed to take 32.

‘It’s exciting to see so many talented athletes on our Island meeting the very high qualification requirements and it’s going to be really hard to select the top 32. We know there will be many athletes who have strived to meet the qualification criteria but who will not be in the top 32 and selected to go to Australia. The IOM CGA will share their frustration and disappointment. Our committee has been working closely with the different sports to ensure that every athlete has an equal and fair chance of being selected.

‘On the positive side, it’s incredible to see the level of talent we have, most of whom will go on to represent the Island at other competitions on the world stage and at future Commonwealth Games.’

The qualification period ends on 30th November after which the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games  Association along with representatives from the individual sports will select the top 32 athletes for the team. The team selection will be announced on 2nd January 2018. 

For more information about the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association including ways to support Team Isle of Man visit www.cga.im.