This will be the first time Orkney have hosted the event and 20 years since the last Scottish host, Shetland in 2005, in what promises to be a celebration of sport, culture, and community.
Visitors, athletes, officials and volunteers have arrived for what will be the biggest event ever to take place in Orkney,
From July 12-18 athletes will compete in 12 sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, and Triathlon, with all events free for spectators on a first come-first-served-basis.
HRH The Princess Royal will officially open the Games on Saturday while Games ambassador Lorraine Kelly will host the opening ceremony.
Around 1000 volunteers have stepped forward to take on roles essential to the running of the Games, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators and making sure everyone receives a warm Orkney welcome. 
Those unable to travel to Orkney to experience the Games first-hand will be able to follow the action on the Orkney 2025 dedicated YouTube streaming channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Orkney2025
The lasting benefits for local sports clubs and infrastructure will be felt on Orkney for years to come. A £1million package of Scottish Government and National Lottery support provided by sportscotland has seen investment in a range of facilities and programmes.
It will help provide competition venues which will be homes for local sport, benefitting schools, Active Schools Orkney, clubs and the local community for generations, as well as a range of other support to help boost Orkney’s sporting future.
Orkney Gymastics Club, Orkney Athletics Club and Orkney Archery Club received £105,684 between them for a range of equipment and storage which were essential for hosting the Games and will be put to good use by the clubs for years.
A sportscotland award of £189,032 allowed for the purchase of 24 ILCA sailing boats which will be used for the sailing events. With the support of RYA Scotland these boats will remain in Orkney to be used by the local sailing clubs and communities after the event.
A £241,335 investment in the athletics track at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall will secure the long-term future of the only track in Orkney, the home of Orkney Athletics Club. The funding will give the venue certified track mark status providing a competition venue for Orkney 2025 and the potential to host further licenced events.
There was also funding for the Scottish athletes competing for Orkney, Western Isles and Shetland through the Athlete Travel Award Scheme, an increase in resources for Orkney Community Sports Hub and a new rural coaching and official subsidy. Allowing coaches and officials to travel to the mainland for various training opportunities.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “The Orkney 2025 Island Games will be a special occasion, it’s fantastic to see the Island Games back in Scotland after 20 years.
“We are delighted to be working with partners including Orkney Islands Council, Orkney 2025 and the Scottish Government to help ensure the lasting benefits from the Games are felt by the sporting communities in Orkney for years to come.
“I’d like to wish all the athletes, and everyone involved in the Games, the very best of luck.”
Kirsty Talbot Games Director at Orkney 2025 said: “We couldn’t be more excited for the athletes, the volunteers, and the local community who have come together to make this historic event a reality.
“The Games will not only showcase the incredible talent of island athletes but also leave a lasting legacy for Orkney. From fantastic host sports clubs to improved facilities, this event is a catalyst for growth and participation in sports across the islands.”
Council Convener Graham Bevan said: “The Orkney 2025 Island Games, so long in the planning, is almost here. The hosting of the Games will live long in the memories of our community and be talked about around kitchen tables for years to come.
“We cannot wait to welcome our fellow islanders who will arrive as fierce competitors and leave as firm friends.”
For more information on the Orkney 2025 Island Games, please visit: https://www.orkney2025.com
