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The Northern Territory Government has announced that the Arafura Games will return in 2019.

An election commitment by the current Northern Territory Government during the last election, Chief Minister Michael Gunner yesterday announced that the next Games would run from 27th April Following six months of consultation with stakeholders, Chief Minister Gunner also confirmed a $4 million investment and the sports would be played at the Games, which will be held every two years.

He stated “Territorians love the Arafura Games and were angry they were scrapped - we have listened I am proud to announce the dates for the 2019 event in Darwin.

“Territorians loved the multi-sport event, which attracted around 1600 athletes and more than 1000 volunteers last time it was held. It is extremely important to local businesses and provides an important economic boost.

“In keeping with this, the Chamber of Commerce will run a major regional conference in Darwin during the Games. This is about connecting the business community with our close Asian neighbours to leverage business, tourism and cultural opportunities and we are funding the Chamber $100,000 to do this.”

Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles will take on the Arafura Games as part of his portfolio responsibilities and Member for Sanderson Kate Worden will remain as Assistant Minister for the Arafura Games.

Chief Minister Gunner added “giving the Games their own Minister to report to shows how significant this event is to the Territory - particularly in terms of the economic and social benefits - and works in well with Ken’s portfolio.

“Kate has done a sensational job and will remain in her role to support Ken and ensure we deliver on our promise and host a great Games.”

Minister Vowles said the first Arafura Games in eight years would help build new business and investment networks in the Asia-Pacific region.

He explained “the NT is the gateway to Asia, and for tourists and businesses it’s vital to grow relationships with this region – the Arafura Games is perfect to do this.

“The Games have always fostered goodwill between sporting neighbours with the sharing of sporting and cultural knowledge within the Asia-Pacific region.

“I will continue to incorporate promoting and championing the Arafura Games into my visits to Asia as part of my Primary Industry and Resources portfolio, and I will make sure all Ministerial travel to Asia is coordinated to include promotion of the Games.”

The sports to be included in the 2019 Arafura Games are athletics, tennis, Muay Thai, sailing, volleyball, weightlifting, basketball, hockey, netball, table tennis, boxing, football, badminton, swimming and archery.

Sepak Takraw and dragon boating will be staged as demonstration sports.

Image: The 400 metre athletics presentation at the 2011 Arafura Games.

3rd November 2017 - DARWIN’S PARAP POOL REDEVELOPMENT ON TARGET FOR JANUARY OPENING

15th February 2017 - NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO BRING BACK ARAFURA GAMES 

6th April 2016 - AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BACKS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN ASIA

29th April 2015 - NEW DARWIN TENNIS FACILITY TO BUILD ON DAVIS CUP HOSTING

16th July 2014 - AFLNT PUSHES FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF DARWIN’S TIO STADIUM

1st February 2011 - EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR ARAFURA GAMES 2011

15th November 2010 - PROMOTING 2011 ARAFURA GAMES IN NEW CALEDONIA AND CHINA 

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