SOME of Ynys Môn 's best and brightest sports men and women are going for gold in Gibraltar.

Almost 100 athletes from the island are competing in what has come to be known as the 'mini-Olympics,' from July 6 - 12.

The bi-annual International Island Games Competition, is a contest between the small islands of the world. This year it includes a host of sports from track and field to badminton, football to swimming and more.

Some of the biggest names in sport have found their grounding in the games, such as Isle of Man cycling superstar Mark Cavendish, who went go on to compete in the Olympics.Ynys Môn has been competing since the games began in 1985. In 2017, the island won one gold medal, four silvers and four bronzes out in Gotland, who hosted two years ago. Ynys Môn is in the process of finalising its bid to host the International Island Games in 2025.

The games are a fantastic platform for competitors to test themselves on the international stage and Ynys Môn is looking forward to seeing how its athletes – many of whom competed for the first time at the Gotland games – have developed and progressed in the last two years.

David Tommis, Ynys Môn Island Games Association, chairman said: “We are really looking forward to arriving in Gibraltar and competing in the 2019, NatWest International Island Games.

"This is a very exciting time for sport on Ynys Môn already and to have our best and brightest athletes heading out to compete in a wide range of sports representing our island on the international stage over the next week or so only adds to that.

“It is going to be a hugely beneficial week for everyone involved. We look forward to our athletes taking advantage of the experience and creating memories and friendships that will last long after this summer’s games conclude."