JERSEY have put forward four possible demonstration sports for inclusion in next year’s Jeux des Iles in Ajaccio, Corsica.

, writes Chris Lake.

Although 12 were considered at last Tuesday’s meeting of the Jersey Jeux des Iles committee, it was decided that cycling, golf, fencing and sevens’ rugby would be recommended to the governing body who will then report back to the Island in September.

‘We looked at a dozen sports but had to take into account that any who participate have to have a junior set-up,’ said committee member and team manager to the last Games, Hugh Raymond.

‘A representative from pétanque, for example, made a strong case to have his sport included but as they don’t have a separate junior section we decided we couldn’t include it this time.

Hopefully, after our conversation, the impetus will be there to get more juniors involved.’ At the meeting representatives from the six sports which featured in this year’s Jeux des Iles in Sicily, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, table tennis, tennis and sailing, all agreed that they want to send youngsters to the Games next year.

As to the likelihood of any of the nominated demonstration sports being accepted by the governing body, Raymond said that it was ‘anyone’s guess’ if one, or more, would be included in 2007.

‘Realistically, I have no idea,’ he said.

‘We have no control over the committee and I have no idea how their minds work.

However, we should hear back from them sometime in September.