Magnetic Island to host 2013 International Adventure Games

Magnetic Island and Townsville will welcome an exciting new international sporting event from 30th September to 4th October.

Billed as 'The Greatest Island Adventure on the Planet!', the International Adventure Games expects to attract up to 2,000 backpackers, adventure travellers and international students studying in Australia to compete in 'country of origin' teams for their country in a number of beach based sporting events and adventure challenge activities, over five days at X Base and other island locations.

The Games, which will be marketed around Australia and the world has secured the support of a number of local, regional, national and international partners including Base Backpacker Resorts, TNT Downunder, Sealink Ferry Services, Townsville Enterprise, Townsville City Council, James Cook University, Greyhound Bus Services, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, as well as other key youth and travel industry partners and sponsors.

The event is anticipated to become a feature attraction for the region and a new destination driver in terms of bringing backpackers, independent adventure travellers and international university students to Townsville and Magnetic Island.

Games General Manager Roger Desailly told local newspaper the Community News "the idea for the Games was borne right here on the island about 10 years ago. We began talking about ideas to hold an international backpackers' event on Magnetic Island."

The organising committee is comprised of Chairman John Godwin; Desailly and Col Kenna, Games Events and Operations.

International Adventure Games events will include Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Beach Athletics, Beach Rugby, Barefoot Bowls, Obstacle Race, Adventure Race, Treasure Hunt and National Anthem Sing Off.

Registrations now open and more information can be found at www.iatgames.com