Manx squad flies to 'friendly games'

The Isle of Man team of about 230 athletes and officials flies out from Ronaldsway later today, bound for the 13th NatWest Island Games in Aland.

The opening ceremony is tomorrow evening, and during the week-long event 15 sports will be contested.

Aland is a Finnish, self-governing province of 6,500 skerries and islands, with 90% of the population living on Fasta Aland - or 'Firm Aland - which is by far the biggest area of land.

General manager of the Manx team Jill Gillings is looking forward to the latest installment of the 'friendly games':