Mr Roger Nordlund, Speaker of the Åland Parliament
We welcome all participants, sponsors and spectators to the 2009 NatWest Island Games in Åland.
We have been preparing ourselves for the Games by arranging events such as the tennis tournament ATP Senior Tour, which attracts names such as Björn Borg and John McEnroe, the Åland International Horse Show, Tall Ships Race and the annual youth football tournament Alandia Cup for 1,200 players from five countries. More than anything, our experience of organising the 1991 Island Games gave us a shot in the arm.
Now we are looking ahead to 2009. Our facilities have been updated and the organisers are waiting for the starting shot.
Roger Nordlund
Speaker of the Åland Parliament