Athletics and volleyball are the sports that have gathered the largest number of competitors, about 300 each. The definitive figure will not be known until individual registrations arrive by 26 April.

Since at least six competing islands are required for each sport to be arranged, it is still uncertain what will happen with the bowling, as only five islands are interested. There is still a chance, however, that the bowling will come off, since one island has not yet decided whether to take part or not. A final decision will be made by the executive committee at its meeting on Shetland in mid-February.

Unfortunately, there will be no women’s football since only three islands (Jersey, Åland and Gotland) have registered.
Thorsten Palmquist
General Secretary

Labour market policy and sport
- A seminar during the NatWest Island Games
There is a long tradition of cooperation between the Gotland employment service and the Gotland Sports Association on various projects. As a result, many unemployed people have received training and jobs. Through this collaboration, sports clubs have received help to refurbish sports facilities and to look after sports grounds and offices. Society has found new areas in which to give work to the unemployed. Above all, unemployed young people and disabled people have been given meaningful occupations and training.

Now we want to show visitors from the other 21 islands participating in the NatWest Island Games on Gotland in summer 1999 what sports and labour market authorities can achieve by working together. These projects will be presented in an exhibition and some seminars on Sunday 27 June 1999. In addition, visiting politicians, sports leaders, and journalists will be invited. Planning work is in full swing, and we will be back with more information during the spring.
Bo Frykenstam
County Administration, Labour Market Unit

Doping tests
We have previously announced that there will be doping tests in connection with the games on Gotland, but it is not certain as yet just how extensive they will be. Since it is the regulations of the international associations that apply to each sport, it is those regulations that we must follow, regardless of what the IGA statutes say. We have still not been definitively informed about which events will be covered by doping tests, but this will hopefully be announced soon. Information will be sent to all the member islands as soon as it is available.

Where to stay during the Games
Welcome to Gotland and the NatWest Island Games 1999. The Organising Committee has chosen Gotlands Resor as appointed partner to arrange your accommodation during your stay.

Gotlandsresor AB
Bookings: +46 498 20 12 60
Fax: +46 498 20 12 70.
Address: Färjeleden 3, SE-621 58 Visby, Sweden
E-mail: bokningen@gotlandsresor.se
Internet: www.gotlandsresor.se

Registration of journalists
In order to gain access to the services available at the press centre you must register in advance using the appropriate forms. The form is now available electronically at our website, but can also be ordered in writing or by telephone from the NatWest Island Games office.

TV- and radio media contact persons
TV- or radio media who are planning to come to the NatWest Island Games in Gotland can contact the following persons if they have any questions.

TV, techniqal questions
Arne Carlsson, tfn +46 498-20 30 00

Radio, techniqal questions
Björn Carlsson, Radio Gotland
Tfn +46 498-20 30 00
Fax +46 498-20 30 99

Radio, other questions
Owe Järlö, Radio Gotland
Tfn +46 498-20 30 00
Fax +46 498-20 30 99

General information about the cycling events
Several islands have been in contact with our sports coordinator for cycling, Börje Kavhed, with a number of questions about this summer’s races. The answers to the questions are presented below. On the web site you can also see diagrams showing the altitude profiles of the courses.

1. Equipment
Time trials are governed by UCI rules.

2. Description of the course
2.1 Men's Time Trial course
30 km of the men’s time trial course runs within about 1 km from the coast. The remaining 20 km is 1–4 km from the coast. 44 km of the course consists of smooth asphalt and the remaining 6 km is slightly rougher asphalt (Y1B surface).

2.2 Women's Time Trial course
The women’s time trial course runs within about 1 km from the coast. 30 km of the course consists of smooth asphalt.

Both the men’s and the women’s courses are protected by forests on both sides for about 80% of the way.

2.3 Road Race men/women
Each lap consists of 24.5 km smooth asphalt and 7 km slightly rougher asphalt (Y1B surface). Women 49 km smooth asphalt and 14 km slightly rougher asphalt. Men 98 km smooth asphalt and slightly 28 km rougher asphalt.

2.4 General information about the course
None of the courses will be closed to other traffic. The course for the Town Centre Criterium (multi-lap race) will be partly closed off.

3. Turn on the Time Trial cours
Curve on the road.

4. Helmets
Cycling bare-headed is not permitted. An approved helmet must be worn. For the Time Trial an approved aero-style helmet may be used.

5. Escort cars for mechanics and team leaders
5.1 Time Trial
The arranger will not provide neutral service. Each island is responsible for its own service vehicle. The arranger will help with the booking of service vehicles, but the cost must be paid by each island. If you are interested, book as soon as possible. State what type of vehicle is required and when you want it, and give your address and other details. Contact us via the fax number or e-mail address below.

5.2 Road Race
The arranger will provide neutral service, with four service vehicles. Islands registered for the event can use their own service vehicles. Notify us of this in connection with the definitive registration, or via the fax number or e-mail address below.

6. Sports coordinator for cycling
Mr Börje Kavhed
Fax +46 498 29 53 49
E-mail börje.kavhed@telia.com

Temperature and climate on Gotland
Gotland has a low rainfall, with dry summers. An average of 32 mm of rain falls in June and 46 mm in July. It is rarely windless. Just over 90% of the time the wind speed is at least 2 m/s. The prevailing wind is from the south-west. During the year there is a south-westerly wind over 20% of the time, slightly more in the autumn and winter, and slightly less in the spring and summer. South-westerly winds along with other winds between south and west dominate 41% of the time. Northerly winds blow on average 10% of the time, and roughly the same proportion comes from the north-west.

The mean temperature in June is 13.5°C and in July 16.0°C.

Volleyball tournament
13 men’s teams and 12 ladies’ teams will take part in the tournament. They play a round robin with 6 or 7 teams. Every team is guaranteed at least 6 matches.

The 2 first in each group will play in the semifinals. The other teams play placing matches.

We will play by the new international rules. For example: Libero, Rally Point Scoring System.

Rules
We will not use the new rules about the players’ dresses. The ball we use under the tournament is a white Mikasa MG VL 200.You can read more about the new rules on FIVB´s homepage http://www.fivb.ch  You will find the new rules under publications.

If you have questions, please let us know under address: tommy.andersson@gotlandica.se

Tommy Andersson
Sport coordinator volleyball

Long days and light nights

For further information please contact:
Organising Committee NatWest Island Games 1999

Homepage: http://www.gotlandweb.com/islandgames
e-mail:
islandgames@bigfoot.com

Address:
Neptungatan 4, SE-621 41 Visby, Sweden
Telephone:
+46-498-20 70 71, 20 70 74
Telefax:
+46-498-21 54 74

Newsletter
is distribuated by Gotland NatWest Island Games 1999 Organising Committee.
Next issuse: 18/3/99

Legally responsible editor
Susanne Gustafsson,
Information Officer