Swish Inter‑Island Games 2025 Conclude in Anglesey with Gold medal for Ynys Môn Men and Silver for Ynys Mon Women
Anglesey’s Holyhead Leisure Centre hosted an exhilarating Inter‑Island Games from 21–25 July 2025. Teams from Ynys Môn, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, the Faroe Islands, Falkland Islands, and North Wales Select competed in both men’s and women’s tournaments in a spirited celebration of island basketball. In total 168 athletes took to the court along with coaches, officials and volunteers.
Men’s Tournament Final Standings
– Ynys Môn (Host Island) – Gold Medal Champions: an undefeated run across 5 wins against Falkland Islands, Guernsey, Jersey, Faroe Islands, and Isle of Man
– Faroe – Silver Medal (4-1 Record)
– Jersey – Bronze Medal (3-2 Record)
Women’s Tournament Final Standings
– Isle of Man – Gold Medal (Undefeated) 3-0 Record
– Ynys Mon (Host Island) – Silver Medal 2-1 Record
– Faroe– Bronze Medal 1-2 Record
With basketball not selected as one of the team sports in the 2025 Island Games in Orkney, Swish Basketball and Ynys Môn stepped up to host this standalone tournament, supported by the Ynys Môn Island Games Association, Isle of Anglesey County Council, and Ynys Môn Celts Basketball Club. The event brought together 11 teams across both genders in a week of round-robin and playoff competition.
Ynys Môn’s double medal achievement underpins Wales’ rising profile in island games basketball and beyond. The success reflects strong local backing and demonstrates how smaller communities can host world-class sporting events.
Ynys Môn Celts Basketball Club has been a long-standing and respected presence within Welsh basketball for many years. With roots in the Cynghrair Pêl-fasged Gogledd Cymru and now competing in the newly established Basketball Wales National League (BWNL), the club continues to play a vital role in growing the sport across the region.
Known for its strong community values and commitment to youth development, Ynys Môn Celts has a proud tradition of nurturing young talent—many of whom go on to represent regional and national teams. The club’s dedication to player progression and inclusive participation has made it a cornerstone of basketball in North Wales and a key contributor to the national pathway.
Sion Parry, lead organiser of the tournament and Head Coach of the Ynys Môn Men’s Team, reflected proudly on the success of the event:
“This has been a special week. The men taking the gold and the women earning silver—it’s been an amazing achievement for Ynys Môn. What made it even more meaningful was seeing so many young people from the island coming out each day to watch the games and support us. That kind of community energy is truly inspiring, and we hope our performances have inspired more people to get involved in this great sport of basketball.”
Coach Parry’s words capture the spirit of the tournament: one built not only on competition but on community pride, legacy, and inspiration for future generations.
With the success of the 2025 Swish Inter‑Island Games still fresh, plans are already underway to build on the momentum. The next official Island Games will be hosted by the Faroe Islands in 2027, and anticipation is already building.
Ynys Môn’s men’s team will head into the tournament as defending gold medalists, eager to retain their crown on foreign soil. Meanwhile, the women’s squad, fresh off a strong silver-medal performance in Anglesey, will be looking to go one better—and aim for gold in 2027.
The road to Faroe promises to be one of growth, preparation, and continued pride for Welsh island basketball.
Adam Williams Signs off in Style with Gold Medal
Adam Williams brought his professional basketball career to a fitting close last week, signing off in style by winning a gold medal at the Swish Inter-Island Games 2025 in Anglesey. The tournament served as a symbolic full-circle moment, capping off an incredible career for one of Wales’ most respected basketball figures.
A 6′4″ guard, Adam has had a highly successful journey through the British Basketball League (BBL), representing top-tier teams including the Everton Tigers, Leicester Riders, Birmingham Bullets, and Worcester Wolves. His playing style, leadership, and consistent performance earned him recognition throughout the UK basketball community.
But beyond statistics and silverware, Adam Williams’ career is defined by his deep connection to Welsh basketball. From his early beginnings to his return to represent Ynys Môn at the 2025 Games, he has remained a passionate ambassador for the sport in Wales.
To finish my playing career on home soil, in front of our community, and with a gold medal—it’s something I’ll treasure forever,” Adam shared following the medal ceremony.
Adam’s journey reflects the dedication, resilience, and love for the game that defines Welsh basketball. As he steps away from the court, his impact continues—inspiring future generations of young players on Anglesey.
Gavin Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Basketball Wales, praised both the quality of the competition and the efforts behind the scenes:
“These Games have been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talented players from Ynys Môn. Sion Parry and Jamie Thomas have done a fantastic job of organising this event, welcoming teams from across the world to Wales. Basketball Wales was proud to support the tournament from an officiating perspective, ensuring that all games had appropriately qualified referees and table officials to help the competition run smoothly. We would also like to thank NBN23, whose digital scoring platform allowed us to track full statistics and provide live digital score sheets throughout the event.”
For more on match results, standout performances, photos, and youth program opportunities inspired by the 2025 tournament, follow the official Ynys Môn Inter‑Island Games channels on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/ynysmon2025?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
https://www.facebook.com/YnysMon2025
