Less than 100 Days to Go Until Orkney 2025 International... - News

Thursday (3 April) marked 100 days to go until the Orkney 2025 Island Games begin. To commemorate this special milestone, the stunning medals that will be presented to each winning athlete were revealed.

The medals have been sponsored by leading Orkney jewellery designer, Sheila Fleet OBE. Famed globally for her distinctive designs, Sheila’s jewellery is inspired by the breathtaking Orcadian landscape.

In 2023 Creative Orkney and Orkney 2025 partnered to launch a competition for the design of the medals and ribbon. Jodie Brown’s remarkable standing stones medal design was chosen to win and will feature on all 1272 medals that will be presented at Orkney 2025.

The ribbon design was won by Olivia Yorston, whose striking concept represents the flag colours of Orkney and features all official Island Games logos.

From left to right: Jodie Brown, Sheila Fleet OBE, and Olivia Yorston holding the medals for the Orkney 2025 Island Games. Credit: Kirstin Shearer

About the Orkney 2025 Island Games

The Island Games, an international multi-sport competition, will bring together athletes from islands across the world to compete in a wide variety of sports.

Orkney, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is gearing up to host athletes, coaches, and spectators from dozens of island nations, creating an event that is as much about community and camaraderie as it is about competition.

This marks the first time Orkney has hosted the games, making it a landmark occasion for the island.

From 12 – 18 July 2025, Orkney will welcome around 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups across the globe to compete in 12 sports:

archery
athletics
badminton
bowls
cycling
football

golf
gymnastics
sailing
squash
swimming
triathlon

Volunteering

The games are supported by principle funders, the Scottish Government and Orkney Island Council, and would not be possible without the incredible efforts of the Orkney community.

Over 800 volunteers have stepped forward to take on vital roles, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators. Their dedication showcases the warmth and hospitality that make Orkney such a special place.

The games kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony and athletes’ parade in Kirkwall on Saturday 12 July and will be hosted by Lorraine Kelly.

The excitement is building as we prepare to welcome athletes and visitors to Scotland in 100 days’ time for the Orkney 2025 Island Games.

Events play an important role in our communities, helping bring social and economic benefits to the areas where they are held.

Jodie’s winning medal and ribbon design perfectly highlights how events can inspire and support emerging creatives, leaving a lasting legacy beyond the sport.

The Orkney Games will be a chance to not only showcase the island’s stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage, but it will also help reinforce the Scotland’s reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.

We look forward to an unforgettable celebration of sport and island spirit in Orkney this summer.

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland

Orkney is a thriving hub for creatives, attracting artists, writers, musicians, and craftspeople from across the globe

It is therefore extremely fitting that the medals designed for the athletes of Orkney 2025 celebrate Orkney’s iconic landscape and will be a perfect tribute to the winning athletes who compete in our games.

With only 100 days to go until we welcome the world, excitement is building and we are very much looking forward to creating positive memories, which will last a lifetime.

Kirsty Talbot, Director, Orkney 2025 Island Games

With just 100 days to go until the Orkney Island Games, excitement and momentum is well and truly building.

As the largest event ever to be held in Orkney, this is a phenomenal opportunity to drive new economic and social opportunities, and create a legacy for the people and businesses of Orkney and beyond.

The medals designed by Jodie and sponsored by world-renowned jewellery artist Sheila Fleet are a powerful example of how the games are being supported locally as Orkney seizes the incredible and exciting opportunity to showcase these amazing islands when the Games take place in July.

Richard Lochhead, Minister of Business for Scotland

Jodie has created a very iconic design with so much that symbolises Orkney’s rich cultural heritage. The hollow circle stands for Orkney and the presence of the iconic standing stones.

As a medal it has great impact. It shows the real potential of an up-and-coming designer, so we are absolutely thrilled to have given Jodie the opportunity to work with us on the design of a new standing stones collection that will be launched around one month before the games.

Sheila Fleet OBE