The base - the Hotel Savoy in Mariehamn, where I stayed along with Anthony & Caroline Brand, Frances McDonnell, Cheryl Pryke and Brenda Riley. The Gibraltar team also stayed there. It was 3 minutes walk from Games Street and 4 minutes walk from the stadium - ideal! It also had wireless Internet access throughout, so was a perfect base for publishing the blog.
The changeovers in all the relays were excellent, including this one between Peter Richardson and Michael Haslett during the Men's 4x400m Final.
There was a great team spirit all week, and Ben Brand is roared on by teammates Michael Haslett and Peter Richardson as he approaches the end of the anchor leg. 
On the other side of the camera for once! Anthony Brand enjoys some relaxation in Mariehamn, and contemplates the next helping of the local black bread!
The silver relay squad (with a hint of red!). Peter Richardson, Ryan Fairclough, Ben Brand, Thomas Riley, Michael Haslett.
Marit's number 1 supporter! Her dad Lembit doesn't speak any English, but was adopted wholeheartedly by the IOM's athletics team. The following night he appeared at the track wearing a TT hat!
What it's all about - a gold medal! This year's medals were beautifully crafted in the shape of a waterdrop.
Andy Fox in serious mood during the week. "5 medals won't be good enough this time, guys!" 
...and in relaxed mood at the team meal before the last night party!
There's nothing easy about winning Island Games medals! Gemma Astin, Martine Scholes and Louise Perrio (both Guernsey) in varying states of exhaustion seconds after the end of the 5000m Final.
There was a great atmosphere at the stadium every day, with packed stands and noisy support. It was a magnificent venue for the athletics competition.
At 15 years of age Ciara McDonnell was the youngest member of the team, but she lacks nothing in confidence as she argues a point with Thomas Riley!
"Andy Watson - A Lean, Mean Massaging Machine!". So said the notice on the wall at the team's accommodation. Andy did a great job all week tending to the various aches and pains of the competitors. Here he gets to grips with Thomas Riley in the treatment room at the track.
If you love the Island Games, this is the man you need to thank. Geoff Corlett was the Organising Director of the inaugural Games on the Isle of Man in 1985 and has done so much since to help the event grow and prosper. Now well into his 80s, he remains a bundle of energy and was a popular visitor to the stadium several times during the athletics competition. If you see him around, be sure to tell him how much you appreciate his efforts. But for Geoff, you wouldn't have been in Aland last week!
Two outstanding athletes. Janne Holmen of Aland (former European Marathon champion) and GB international Lee Merrien of Guernsey pictured during the 5000m Final. After a great career, the Island Games on his home island was Janne's swansong - and what a reception he received from his home crowd!
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