Letters / 2027 NatWest Island Games and beyond

My name is Jason Campbell, and I am part of the Shetland learning disability football team.

I am writing because I believe our team deserves a chance to compete in the 2027 NatWest Islands Games in the Faroe Islands, and I want to explain why this is so important to us.

We have trained together for only eight weeks, yet at the Scottish Learning Disability National Games in Stirling, we won a bronze medal and even drew against a team who have been playing together for 17 years. This shows that with hard work, dedication, and teamwork, we can compete at a high level.

This opportunity matters for more than just our team. We represent the learning disability community in Shetland, a group that is often “not seen.”

Being part of the Islands Games would give us visibility, recognition, and a chance to inspire others with learning disabilities. I know that if we get this chance, it will give hope to people with learning disabilities on other islands, encouraging them to try, train, and form their own teams to compete in the future.

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Our participation would:

• Show our sporting ability and potential for international competition.
• Give representation to people with learning disabilities who are often overlooked.
• Inspire others to participate in sport and believe in themselves.
• Promote inclusion, equality, and diversity across the islands.
• Bring pride and visibility to Shetland and other small communities.
• Challenge stereotypes about what people with learning disabilities can achieve.
• Recognise our hard work, fundraising, and commitment from a remote island.
• Provide mental health benefits, boost confidence, and teach teamwork.
• Build long-term pathways for future athletes.Encourage community support from schools, clubs, and families.
• Create international exposure for athletes who rarely get these opportunities.
• Highlight resilience, determination, and perseverance under pressure.
• Give hope and motivation to other islands with learning disability athletes to try and compete.
• Promote leadership and teamwork skills for everyone involved.

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I truly believe that we deserve a chance to show what we can achieve. Our team is ready, committed, and proud to represent Shetland and the learning disability community on an international stage.

I respectfully call on the Shetland Islands Games Association to speak directly with the International Island Games Association, to endorse our team, and to support our inclusion so that we may be allowed to compete.

Jason Campbell
Lerwick