P.E.I. bid for International Island Games pulled

Citing a lack of co-operation from the provincial government, the Island Games Association of P.E.I. has pulled its bid to host the games in 2013.

The International Island Games Association has 25 members, mostly in Europe. The 2007 games in Rhodes attracted 2,000 competitors.

Alfred Groom, president of the Island Games Association of P.E.I., told CBC News Monday the province wants too much representation on the bid committee.

The IGA suggested having two government members and three association members on the committee, while the governmentwanted two IGA members and six of its own representatives.

"The Island Games Association of Prince Edward Island is a member of the IGA, not the province of Prince Edward Island," said Groom.

"The province acknowledged that, but still insisted that they would have to be in control, so therefore we had no choice but to withdraw our bid given the lack of support of the government of Prince Edward Island."

P.E.I. was in competition with Bermuda for the games, which would be the first held in North America. Carolyn Bertram, the minister responsible for sport, made one of her first trips as a minister to Rhodes for the Island Games last June.

Groom sent a letter to the head of the International Games Association Sunday night. Jorgan Petterson said he was disappointed to hear the decision. He said the Island has one big advantage over Bermuda.

"It's easier to get to P.E.I. than it is to get to Bermuda," said Petterson.

The committee said the games would have brought 4,000 athletes and visitors to the province, and revenues would have topped $10 million.

The province has told CBC News there will be no one available to comment on the issue Monday.