Assistant Minister for the Arafura Games, Kate Worden, will today travel to Brunei to represent the Territory Labor Government and Minister for the Arafura Games, Ken Vowles, at the 2018 BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games.
The BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games are a biennial sporting event between the regions of the four member countries of BIMP-EAGA - Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Ms Worden will meet with representatives from the four countries to discuss their participation in the Arafura Games, which the Territory Labor Government is bringing back next year, from April 26 to May 4.
The Territory is also sending 36 young athletes to take part in the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, at the invitation of the BIMP-EAGA Sports Council. They will participate in three sports swimming, athletics and lawn bowls.
The BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games will take place from December 5-9, 2018.
As noted by Minister for the Arafura Games, Ken Vowles:
We made an election promise to bring back the Arafura Games and I attended the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games in 2016 to promote and develop interest for the Arafura Games.
This visit presents a great opportunity to further promote our Arafura Games, and follows up on previous conversations we have had with these countries about their participation.
As noted by Assistant Minister for the Arafura Games, Kate Worden:
We are bringing back the Arafura Games - which were scrapped by the former CLP government because sport is an important relationship builder between countries.
Sporting events like this lead to a range of long-term benefits, including business ties, economic opportunities and the chance for Territory athletes to compete against international athletes.
The Arafura Games will also showcase what the Territory has to offer to tourists, with athletes, coaches, officials and supporters returning home full of stories about the wonderful experience they had here.
Travel costs for Ms Worden and one member of staff:
Flights: $2468
Accommodation: $1052
