Northern Territory Government announces cancellation of Arafura Games

The Northern Territory Government has advised that "in light of continuing uncertainty around the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic", the Arafura Games.

Scheduled to the held in Darwin in 2023, a statement from the Northern Territory Government on the multisport event advised that due to ongoing uncertainty around international border and travel restrictions, and the implications of the global pandemic on our near neighbours, the Government has decided it is safer to discontinue the event.

Commenting on the announcement, Northern Territory Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles, stated “sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic means planning for future Arafura Games is impossible right now, so we have made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

“While it’s still two years away - our priority remains on keeping Territorians safe, and ensuring the community gets vaccinated.

“Unfortunately, we cannot put a date on the end of COVID-19, which makes hosting international sporting events such as this very difficult to plan for.

“I thank sporting teams and organisations for their ongoing participation and support of the Games – without them we wouldn’t have been able to show off Territory talent on an international level and hold such successful events.

“Through the Arafura Games we have developed strong relationships with our international sporting neighbours and we thank the participating nations across the Asia Pacific region for their support in 2019, and their ongoing friendship.”

The last Arafura Games, staged in 2019, were held after an eight-year hiatus.

Image: The closing of the 2019 Arafura Games.