GOLDEN GIRL KARA AIMS TO BE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Golden girl Kara aims to be greatest of all time. Swimming sensation Kara Hanlon is on the verge of history as she looks to become the most decorated athlete to compete for the Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA) with sponsorship from Bakkafrost Scotland helping the talented athlete on her way.

Next month the 28-year-old will travel to Orkney to take part in the International Island Games and hopes to add to her tally of eight gold and four silver medals.

The competition brings together athletes from all over the world to battle it out for glory in twelve sports over seven days.

Not-for profit organisation WIIGA helps elite sportspeople reach their full potential and foster friendships between island communities through sport. Leading salmon producer Bakkafrost Scotland is now in its tenth year sponsoring the Association and this year launched its new partnership between its flagship product Native Hebridean Salmon and the swimming team.

Kara said:

“The games have been so important to my development as a swimmer. I first competed when I was 14 when the Isle of Wight was the host. Now going into my sixth games, with 12 medals secured, I’ve loved every minute of taking part.

“Coming from an island where there are perhaps less opportunities, the games have provided the chance to compete at an international level.”

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, Bakkafrost Scotland’s sponsorship bolsters local athletes on their journey to the world stage.

Breaststroker Kara, from Stornoway, said:

“Sponsorship is super important and really helps to ensure as many athletes as possible get the chance to take part. Its great organisations want to give back to the community and also help athletes who have trained hard to perform at a major event.

“WIIGA and the Island Games are a great cause, and hopefully it can go from strength to strength.”

The swimming team is a real family affair for Kara, with her brother Matthew in the squad and dad David the coach, while mum Marilyn is team manager. She is currently one medal behind cyclist Kerry MacPhee as the most decorated athlete to compete for WIIGA in the 40-year history of the games.

She added:

“I’d love to break my own records and leave my stamp on the games. I don’t know if it will be my last appearance, but it might be, so it would be great to perform in a way that will be in the history books for a long time.”

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 that celebrate sporting and cultural traditions.

Ian Laister, Managing Director of Bakkafrost Scotland said:

“Kara’s achievements as a swimmer are phenomenal, and we wish her and all the competitors the very best of luck.

“Her passion for the games and their importance to the island communities is something that resonates with Bakkafrost Scotland and is reflected in our long-standing relationship with WIIGA.

“We are proud to play a role in the development of local sporting talent. We are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work and helping them thrive.”

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.”