How The Island Games Became the Mediterranean's First Fitness Festival
Can you still recall the early beginnings of your business? Where did the inspiration come from?
“I’ve always been interested in the fitness industry,” Sarah shares. “After years of working in different areas—coaching, nutrition, and even considering opening a gym—I felt like there was a real demand for fitness events.” Originally from Malta but based in London, Sarah saw an opportunity to bring the best of both worlds together: a thriving fitness community and an island known for sunshine.
“I thought, why not offer a high-energy fitness event on an island in the sun for a community that loves exactly that?” The inspiration wasn’t just about exercise—it was about bringing people together through a shared lifestyle.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while getting The Island Games off the ground?
“Fundraising and communicating the vision,” Sarah says. “It was very hard to explain the concept of The Island Games in physical terms, especially to brands and early clients. It’s one thing to feel it, to live it, and go through it, but getting others to see it before it exists is a different challenge altogether.”
What makes The Island Games different from other fitness festivals?
“Well, for one, we're the first Mediterranean fitness festival. But, more than that, at its core, The Island Games are beyond personal,” Sarah says. “I speak to most of the people involved. We’re a small, passionate team of fitness lovers who do this alongside our regular jobs—because we love it, not because we have to.”
The Island Games isn’t a large-scale corporate event—it’s a community-first initiative that grew from the ground up. “As it gets bigger, it gets harder to keep that personal touch,” she admits. “But we’re committed to it. We were also the first Mediterranean fitness festival, and we’re still laser-focused on what made it special from the beginning.”
The Road to Brand Protection
When did brand protection become a focus for you?
“From the start, I knew it was important—I actually come from a legal background,” Sarah notes. “But as a startup, with limited funding, priorities had to shift. We had to invest in branding, equipment, and just making the event happen first.”
Startups often experience this conundrum, where they might have a great idea that's commercially viable and they want to protect it right away but cannot due to cash constraints. However, as is often the case, as soon as cash flow stabilized, protecting the brand became a priority. “It’s one thing to create something great—it’s another to make sure no one else can take it from you.”
How did you discover TramaTM, and why did you trust them with your brand?
“I actually found Trama through a Google search. Like with anything new, at first, I was skeptical. I had registered trademarks in Malta before, but only through a local law firm,” Sarah says. “Working with a global company like Trama felt very different.”
What won her over was the service. “I sent a few questions to their support team, and the responses weren’t robotic—they were thoughtful and fast. That human connection made me feel I could trust them. Especially in today's age when you can immediately tell when you're talking to AI.”
When recounting her registration experience with Trama, Sarah said: "Apart from a few hiccups, my experience was very good, and I would definitely recommend Trama to other companies looking for similar services, as it is an inexpensive but highly reputable option."
Takeaways
Sarah’s story is one of passion, persistence, and personal connection. The Island Games was never about building a brand for the sake of profit—it was about building a community that could thrive under the sun, surrounded by movement, action, and shared values.
And with the right legal protections in place, Sarah and her team can now fully focus on what they do best—bringing fitness lovers together for an unforgettable experience.
FAQs - The Island Games
When did brand protection become a priority for the business?
Although Sarah has a legal background and knew the importance of protecting her brand early on, financial limitations pushed trademark registration further down the list. Once the business achieved healthy cash flow, securing the brand legally became a top priority to ensure long-term control and growth.
What sets The Island Games apart from other fitness events?
The Island Games is deeply rooted in community. Organized by a team of fitness enthusiasts who manage the event alongside their full-time jobs, it offers a uniquely personal touch. As the first Mediterranean fitness festival, its grassroots spirit and founder-led engagement continue to set it apart from larger, corporate-run events.
Why did Sarah choose TramaTM for her trademark registration?
Sarah discovered Trama through a Google search and was initially skeptical due to past experience with a traditional law firm. However, Trama’s fast, thoughtful, and human responses won her over. She found the service reliable, affordable, and would recommend it to other startups looking for trustworthy brand protection.
