La Houguette Primary School students were treated to a special name-unveiling assembly.

Guernsey schoolchildren have voted and officially named the 2023 Island Games mascot: Jet The Puffin!

The name, short for Jethou, was announced at a special assembly at La Houguette Primary School this morning (20 March).

Jet hugged, high-fived, and danced with pupils - happy to have a name and excited for the games to begin this July.

Games Communications and Events Director, Amanda Hibbs, explains why a puffin was selected:

“We felt the puffin reflects the friendship and family values of the Games. Puffins pair for life and return to the same burrows every year to raise their young. The Island Games are known as the friendly Games, with many friendships forged over the years.

After the postponement, it is four years since the Island Games family has been together, so the symbol of a Puffin is very apt.

The Bailiwick also has a long association with puffins, with colonies that return every year to Jethou, Herm, and Burhou."

Games Deputy Director, Emma Beardsell, says getting local schoolchildren involved is important to them:

"Jet showcases the spirit, heart, and spark of Guernsey 2023, and has received a very warm reception from the pupils.

We’ve really enjoyed delivering these assemblies and they’ve had a powerful impact. The students are all so enthusiastic and excited about the Games, and they absolutely love the puffin.

We always end with telling them to go home and tell their friends and families about what a great event the Games will be.”

When Guernsey last hosted the Games, in 2003, Daniel the donkey was the mascot.