The Arafura Games has welcomed a new sport to the program and two new Ambassadors to the team, with squash now part of the competition and Territorian sports stars Timmy Duggan and Crystal Attenborough signing up to help promote the Games.
Squash joins Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Basketball 3X3 Pro Hustle, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Football, Indoor Volleyball, Muaythai, Netball, Sailing, Sepak Takraw, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Weightlifting. Timmy and Crystal join Charlie King and Amy Hetherington, who were named Ambassadors in January.
The Ambassadors role is a voluntary one, and Timmy and Crystal were out and about in the Darwin CBD today to encourage other Territorians to sign on as volunteers for the Arafura Games.
Timmy is a former professional NBL basketball player and founder of Hoops 4 Health, a charity that uses basketball to deliver youth health programs. He was the first Aboriginal Territorian to play in the NBL, playing for the Gold Coast Rollers in 1996 and the Cairns Taipans from 1999-2001. He competed in the first Arafura Games in 1991 and was a flag bearer in 2011.
Crystal is well-known in the athletics community and won bronze for Australia in the 2006 Commonwealth Games 4x100m relay. In 2007 she was named NT Sportsperson of the Year, and she was flag bearer at the 2007 Arafura Games.
The Arafura Games will run from April 26 to May 4, 2019. Visit araguragames.nt.gov.au
As stated by Minister for the Arafura Games, Natasha Fyles:
The Territory Labor Government is bringing back the much-loved Arafura Games after they were scrapped by the CLP in 2012.
The Games are not only a significant tourism attraction but help build relationships with our Asia-Pacific neighbours to promote trade and business opportunities that will create jobs.
Whether youre a Territory athlete who wants to compete against international sporting peers, a fan who cant wait to watch their favourite sport, or a volunteer who wants to welcome athletes, officiate at events or help out behind the scenes, there is a way everyone can be involved.
It is great news for squash fans that this popular sport is now part of the program, and I thank Timmy and Crystal for getting on board to promote the Games. I encourage all Territorians to do the same.
As stated by Arafura Games Ambassador Timmy Duggan:
I was a part of the Arafura Games when it first started. For it to be back on the Territory calendar is exciting for up-and-coming athletes and coaches, and gives them opportunities to participate with people from other regions.
As stated by Arafura Games Ambassador Crystal Attenborough:
Its great the Arafura Games has returned to the Territory, so we can showcase our local talent and international talent, and bring family and friends together to celebrate this event.
