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The 2007 Arafura Games will host the men’s wheelchair basketball Asia-Oceania Paralympic Qualifying Tournament for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

 

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kon Vatskalis, said hosting this tournament demonstrates the

international recognition the Arafura Games is receiving and will take the Games to the next level for 2009 and beyond.

 

“The Arafura Games showcases our great Territory lifestyle to the region and it just got bigger and better,” Mr Vatskalis said.

 

“This is the first time the Arafura Games will incorporate the Oceania Paralympic Championships,

anywhere else in the world you would have to pay to see this level of competition, at the Arafura Games it’s free.

 

President of the Australian Paralympic Committee, Greg Hartung said wheelchair basketball is a flagship Paralympic sport and one in which Australia has been very successful.

 

"The APC has been pleased to provide its support, including financial, to enable wheelchair basketball to be a focus sport for the 2007 Arafura Games,” Mr Hartung said.

 

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Scott Derwin said Basketball Australia is pleased to have been awarded the Asia Oceania Qualifying Tournament and expects the Arafura Games to be a great success.

 

"With six countries competing we anticipate some great basketball in a fantastic location. We have enjoyed victory at past tournaments and hope to emulate those triumphs come next May,” Mr Derwin said.

 

Australia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, New Zealand and a yet to be announced team will compete in the Arafura Games / Oceania Paralympic Championships.

 

The top 3 teams will qualify for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics where the 12 men’s wheelchair basketball teams will compete.

 

The Arafura Games will be held from 12-19 May 2007 with the men’s wheelchair basketball competition from 14-19 May at the Darwin Basketball Stadium.

 

Contact: Kieran Phillips 08 8901 4182