‘Come alive in ’85’: the Isle of Man Year of Sport, the first Island Games, and the shifting sands of sport event tourism

This article examines 1985's Isle of Man Year Sport, an attempt by political leadership in the British crown dependency to host and create a series sporting events which would serve as platform help reverse dramatic decline UK Irish holidaymakers. To Manx parliamentarians policymakers, sport provided logical starting point for attracting tourists due island’s association with Tourist Trophy (TT) motorcycle road races, even though holding Commonwealth Games island – desired option was considered unfeasible. The Government additionally pursuing strategy themed ‘years’ provide stimulate tourism. Sport’s included Table Tennis Championships, Special Olympics, academic conferences. Its longest lasting contribution sport, however, has been first Island (known here Inter-Island Games), held every two years since (with exception 2021) small-island polities/‘nations’ on Atlantic Rim. Sport reflective both politics emerging (if debatable) consensus tourism management circles about legacies, inclusive soft power, events.