Isle of Wight athletes will not get the chance to compete in the Island Games next year after the Biennial tournament was postponed due to coronavirus.
The event, which sees 23 member islands take part, was due to be held in Guernsey in July 2021.
However, following its virtual AGM, the International Island Games Association (IIGA) announced the games would no longer go ahead.
Jorgen PeIersson, chair of the IIGA, said:
"This decision was not made lightly and was based on the responses received from the recent survey undertaken with Member Islands, coupled with the best medical advice that could be obtained.
"First and foremost, in making the decision was the wellbeing of all the Member Island’s sports people and the impact that any importaAon of the virus into Guernsey would have on their Island. We have waited for even the slightest possible opportunity to go on with the Games in 2021, but we have to acknowledge the facts. The pandemic is not over, the quarantine-regulations will continue to make planning forward very very difficult and even impossible.
"Therefore, it would not be fair to ask the Member Islands or the Host Island to commit financially to an event next summer. This has been a difficult decision to accept for all of us. I am truly sorry for this decision."
Chair of the Isle of Wight Island Games Association, Kevin Winchcombe, said:
"Although I and the whole of Team IOW are understandably disappointed with the news of the Guernsey 2021 Games being cancelled, I, along with the Trustees if the Island Games Association fully support this decision.
"The uncertainty regarding Covid-19 makes planning and organising the Games incredibly challenging, and also limits competitors ability to train. This combination makes it impossible to progress at this time.
"I would like to thank our sponsors, team managers, and competitors for their support, and hope they will be able to be a part of Team IOW at the next Games."
Orkney are set to host the next games in 2023.
But, organisers say they will liase with both Guernsey and Orkney before discussing dates for the next event.
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