Arafura Games open in Darwin
The opening cermony for the 2011 Arafura Games has been held and competition is now underway with the first two gold medals in the event going to Northern Territory triathletes Claire Goldsmith and Grant Preddy.
The opening ceremony featured a breathtaking aerial stunt display along with a performance from 80s rockers IceHouse.
The centre peice for the eight-day event is the recently completed running track at the $4.2 million Arafura Athletics Stadium.
Reviewing the works before the Games, Northern Territory Construction Minister Gerry McCarthy explained that "first class facilities help produce first class athletes and the upgraded track and facilities will benefit thousands of Territory athletes of all ages who train and compete at the stadium.
"Athletics is a great pursuit for Territorians of all ages and our junior athletes in particular will benefit greatly from the track and facilities upgrade so that hopefully we can get more Territorians competing on the international stage."
More than 4,000 athletes from more than 45 countries are competing in the Games.
The organisers have added a range of educational activities and cultural exchange evenings during the Games
As part of their ongoing commitment to sharing sporting knowledge, the activities aim to benefit sports administrators, officials, competitors and the general public.
The free practically orientated Seminar Series offer a wide range of opportunities to learn more about drug testing, correct hydration, injury recovery or the evolution of cricket.
Presenters are from the Northern Territory Institute of Sport, Charles Darwin University, the NT Government's Division of Sport and Recreation, Sports Medicine Australia, International Doping Tests and Management, the Australian Paralympic Committee and the Australian Sports Commission.
The Games run until 14th May.
Image: AFL competition at the 2009 Arafura Games.
1st February 2011 - EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR ARAFURA GAMES 2011
15th November 2010 - PROMOTING 2011 ARAFURA GAMES IN NEW CALEDONIA AND CHINA
10th November 2010 - ARAFURA GAMES SPORTING PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
Related Articles
Published since 1997 - Australasian Leisure Management Magazine is your go-to resource for sports, recreation, and tourism. Enjoy exclusive insights, expert analysis, and the latest trends.
Mailed to you six times a year, for an annual subscription from just $99.
Get business and operations news for $12 a month - plus headlines emailed twice a week. Covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism, and venues.