The Isle of Man athletics team’s excellent performances at the recent Island Games in Orkney were a true team effort — not just among the athletes, but also thanks to the support of our management team, generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers. Success at this level doesn’t happen without an enormous amount of work behind the scenes, much of it unseen.
Supporting Our Athletes
Taking part in the Island Games has always come with significant financial demands, and recent years have only increased those pressures. Our athletes make a considerable contribution themselves, but many would find it impossible without the kind support of sponsors and clubs who step up repeatedly to help the team get to the start line.
We are deeply grateful to the following organisations and individuals for their generous contributions:
- Isle of Man Athletics – Funding and competition kit
- Dandara – Backpacks
- Western AC – Funding
- Manx Harriers – Funding
- Northern AC – Funding
- Manx Fell Runners – Funding
- IOM Veteran AC – Funding
- The Creg Ny Baa Hotel – Hoodies and t-shirts
- Trilogy – T-shirts
- The Creek Inn – T-shirts
- Petra Atchison – Sprint suits & hoodies
Thanks also go to the athletes’ families and personal coaches, whose support throughout the season — and in the run-up to Orkney — was vital in preparing the team to compete at their best.
Gratitude to the Management Team
A huge amount of thanks is owed to Team Manager Petra Atchison, whose passion and commitment helped make the trip to Orkney possible. Petra only took on the role a few months before the 2023 Island Games in Guernsey, and she carried that momentum through to this year’s event. In addition to the time-consuming day-to-day planning and communication with athletes, officials and Games organisers, she took on a major fundraising drive — securing vital financial support that directly enabled a large team to travel.
Much of Petra’s work takes place out of view, frequently burning the midnight oil. Her leadership ensured that everything from kit distribution to accommodation, travel logistics and technical information updates ran smoothly, and her positive attitude helped keep morale high all week.
Working alongside Petra was Assistant Manager Steve Partington, whose experience at the highest levels of athletics has been — and continues to be — an invaluable asset to the team. A former international athlete and long-time supporter of Manx sport, Steve brings a huge wealth of knowledge, calm authority, and dedication to the role. Throughout the week, he provided guidance, reassurance, and a level of insight that helped athletes stay focused, motivated, and prepared for whatever came their way.
From daily management meetings to late-night messages, logistical problem-solving to sideline encouragement — Petra and Steve were at the heart of everything.
Behind the Scenes Support
Physiotherapist Matt Harrison deserves special recognition for his tireless work throughout the Games. With a 23-strong squad to support, Matt’s massage bed was rarely empty, and his role in keeping athletes physically ready to compete cannot be overstated. His calm presence and professional care made a huge difference during a packed and physically demanding schedule.
A Message from the Athletes
One of the most experienced members of the team, sprinter Meghan Pilley, summed up the team’s appreciation with these words:
“I think I speak for everyone when I say the Games simply couldn’t have happened without our incredible management team — Petra, Steve, and Matt, along with other members of the organisation team. From all the work leading up to the event — organising sponsors, kit, fundraising events, and more — to everything that went on behind the scenes during the Games themselves, their support was constant.
Each day, they attended management meetings to keep us updated, and Matt worked tirelessly on the massage bed, making sure our bodies stayed in peak performance condition. Thanks to their dedication, we were able to focus on performing at our best. The support wasn’t just from the management team either — the camaraderie among the athletes was equally amazing. Everyone pulled together and kept each other going all week. It was truly a team effort from start to finish.”
A Team Effort in Every Sense
The Island Games is about more than competition — it’s about community, commitment, and shared pride in representing the Isle of Man. From our sponsors and supporters to the team behind the team, we are so grateful for the countless hours, energy, and goodwill that helped make Orkney 2025 a memorable and successful Games for our athletes.
Thank you — your support made all the difference.
David Griffiths
