BAKKAFROST BACKS ATHLETES DREAMING OF PARTICIPATION AT HISTORIC GAMES

Bakkafrost backs athletes dreaming of participation at historic games. Aspiring athletes hoping to compete at the International Island Games are gearing up for greatness with sponsorship support from Bakkafrost Scotland.

Now ten years in partnership, the leading producer of Scottish salmon is once again providing backing to the Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA). The non-profit organisation helps elite athletes reach their full potential and fosters friendship between island communities through sport.

This year the International Island Games will take place on Orkney for the first time and see competitors from 24 teams take part in 12 sports over seven days.

WIIGA general team manager Iain ‘GG’ Campbell said:

“It is an extra special event in 2025 for a number of reasons. It is 40 years since the first games were staged, the first time Orkney has hosted, and over 2,000 competitors and officials are expected to take part.

“It is tremendous our partnership with Bakkafrost is continuing, especially during such a significant year for the games. The event has community at its heart, and the sponsorship really does make a significant difference where it matters most.”

Daytime TV star Lorraine Kelly has been confirmed as an ambassador for Orkney 2025. A regular visitor to the islands, she said:

“It is going to be a fantastic spectacle and I can’t wait to be there to see all of the sporting action, as well as meeting islanders from across the globe.”

The games will take place between 12 and 18 July, with archery, athletics, badminton, cycling and football among the event categories.

WIIGA works in partnership with local clubs and organisations across the Western Isles to ensure the correct framework and support is available for athletes to train and prepare for the
event.

With travel and training facilities often proving a challenge for sportspeople based in rural areas, this renewed sponsorship bolsters local athletes on their journey to the world stage.

Bakkafrost aims to be the most sustainable producer of Scottish salmon and has 45 sites across remote and rural communities, including eight located in the Hebrides. With 80% of the
workforce living in rural communities, the business also sponsors six other community events.

Bakkafrost’s flagship product Native Hebridean smoked salmon can even trace its ancestry back to the wild salmon of the Outer Hebrides.

Ian Laister, managing director of Bakkafrost Scotland said:

“We wish the very best of luck to all competitors as they prepare to compete in Orkney for the very first time. Our long-standing relationship with the Western Isles Island Games Association is very important to us, and we are proud to play a continued role in the development of local sporting talent.

“A sense of community underpins the work we do at Bakkafrost Scotland, and we are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work.”

The biennial games will receive additional support from Salmon Scotland