Following on from the success of last year’s event, South Island Sevens promises to be bigger and better than ever with a move from Ventnor Rugby Club to Ryde School, where it will become a multi-sport event.
Speaking to Ryde Town Council last night (Monday), organiser Chris Fletcher announced the event will now also feature crossfit, netball, stand-up paddleboarding, skateboarding, beach rugby fives, mountain biking and kite foiling.
While Ryde School will play host to the main event, Appley Beach will hold the athlete’s village, NUKU crossfit challenge and watersports with the Canopy Skatepark in Chale and the IW Mountain Bike Centre at Shorwell also featuring as venues.
It is thought big screens will relay live footage of events to different locations.
Mr Fletcher expected around 2,000 athletes and 2,000 spectators at the event on 22nd and 23rd July 2023.
The growing event would showcase elite sports to children.
He said:
“Elite sport does not happen on the Island. This is an opportunity to deliver something completely unique — I cannot find an event in the UK that offers something similar.
Article continues below this advertisement “I started the event due to my frustration of what was considered an OK level to achieve in sport; I absolutely don’t believe that is the case. The only way to change that is showing children what elite sports look like and how elite sportsmen and women act.”
Mr Fletcher said in the weeks before the event, open children’s sessions would be held, following in the footsteps of the South Island Schools Cup that took place last year. He said:
“There are limitations to the Island, as nowhere outside Ryde School has more than two rugby pitches.”
Thinking of the significant investment the event could bring to Ryde in 2023, and the potential in following years, the town council unanimously agreed to give £10,000 towards the event — the same level of contribution it gives towards Isle of Wight Pride.
Mayor Michael Lilley said with the likes of the Wight Wave Beach Festival and now the South Island Sevens held in the town, it would really help develop events and be a positive sell for Ryde.
Mr Fletcher is working in partnership with Wightlink and Red Funnel, and in discussions with Hovertravel and the Classic Bus Museum about getting athletes and spectators to and around the Island. Other Island businesses like Snows BMW and Thatcher’s Cider are also sponsoring the event.
The event was poorly marketed in 2023.
