The Indian Ocean Island Games
The Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) is a multi-sport tournament for the athletes from Islands of the Indian Ocean. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) adopted this tournament in 1976. At first it was named “Indian Ocean Games” But later was renamed “Indian Ocean Island Games” before its first edition in 1979.
The games were created to foster friendship and mutual understanding, to develop the skilfulness of the athletes of the member islands, and to create a spirit of solidarity amongst all member islands through the regional cooperation.
The participating islands are Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Mayotte, Réunion and the Maldives - all are islands of Indian Ocean. Although Sri Lanka is a major island of Indian Ocean, it has never participated in this tournament.
The first edition of the Island Games was held in 1979 in Réunion. The host country rotates around the islands of Réunion, Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles, each taking a turn every 16 years.
There are at least five sports on each program, including the two essential events, swimming and Athletics.
The next Indian Ocean Island Games
- The last Indian Ocean Island Games was held in 2023 in Madagascar (it was oroginally planned to be held in the Maldives, but they withdrew from hosting)
- The next Ocean Island Games will be held in Comoros in 2027
Related Pages
- About the similar Island Games for mostly European islands
- Other International Multi-Events
- Multi-Sport Events (Games) Calendar
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