News / Supporters’ group
AROUND 40 members of the official Shetland Supporters’ Group are expected to cheer Team Shetland on in Jersey at next year’s NatWest Island Games.
The supporters’ group was formed in 2005, the year Shetland hosted the games, to give sports fans the chance to spectate at future games.
Local organisers Sheila Manson and Olive Macleod have led the planning since then, including arrangements for travel and accommodation in each host island and sourcing custom branded clothing and badges.
“We already have around 40 names interested in travelling with the supporters group to the next games in Jersey,” Macleod said. “We enjoy cheering on the Shetland competitors wherever they are during the games week. We have great fun among ourselves and with other island teams too.”
The only other island with a travelling supporters group is Aland, whose fans are known for their colour and noise in support of Team Aland. A close friendship has developed between the two groups of fans.
Shetland Island Games Association chairman Andrew Inkster said: “Having a few Shetland fans and flags among the crowds at the games makes a huge difference to the morale and performances of the team.”
• Anyone interested in joining the Shetland Supporters Group and travelling to the Jersey 2015 games is invited to attend a meeting at Islesburgh Community Centre at 7pm on Thursday 12 June, or by getting in touch before then with Olive Macleod on 07917 384953 / o.macleod287@btinternet.com or Sheila Manson on 07747 710423 / sheila.manson@btinternet.com
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.