‘Old boy’ Nadal sends best wishes

Saturday 21st May 2011, 3:00PM BST.

The Jersey team

FORMER competitor and current tennis world number one Rafael Nadal has sent a good luck message to all those taking part in next week’s Jeux des Iles competition in Palermo, Sicily.

The 24-year-old helped the Balearic Islands win gold in the 2001 tennis event in Palma de Mallorca and he has spoken of his memories as a young athlete at the event.

Nadal said: ‘I have a wonderful memory of the Island Games, even if it is a little faded as time has elapsed.

‘What I can say is that I took part in the 2001 edition that was held in my country in Palma de Mallorca and I won my match contributing to the final success of the Balearic Islands.’

The Jersey team is once again sponsored by Altis Partners and features 29 talented sporting youngsters who will compete in athletics, gymnastics, sailing, swimming, table tennis, and tennis.

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