The Territory Labor Government is bringing back the Arafura Games and athlete registrations open today.
The Games, which were scrapped by the former chaotic CLP government, will return from April 26 to May 4, 2019.
China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Macau China, Timor-Leste, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu have all confirmed they will be sending athletes to the Arafura Games, and there will be a strong contingent of athletes from around Australia.
There is particular interest in the muaythai competition, which will be a qualifying event for the World Games Muaythai competition in Birmingham 2021, and in para table tennis, which will be a direct qualifier for the Oceania region to gain their slots for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Other sports such as weightlifting, wheelchair tennis and para athletics will use the Arafura Games as a pathway event for athletes to gain ranking points, record qualification results or participate in the required number of events to be eligible for Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
To register as an athlete, team official or volunteer visit www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au
As stated by Minister for the Arafura Games, Ken Vowles:
Bringing back the Arafura Games was an election promise - a promise that will soon be realised with just six months until the Games return.
The Arafura Games are so much more than a community sporting event they are also an opportunity for us to strengthen ties with our Asia-Pacific neighbours. These ties can lead to increased investment and exports, and jobs for Territorians.
As someone who has taken part in the Games as an athlete, an organiser and a volunteer, I cannot stress enough what a fantastic experience it is.
I urge all Territorians to get on board, whether as competitors, officials, volunteers or spectators. It will be something you will never forget.
