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Darwin school children are being encouraged to adopt-a-country for the Arafura Games to get students more involved in the city’s biggest sporting event.

 

Chief Minister Clare Martin officially launched the program at Millner Primary School with the help of the Chung Wah Society’s Chinese lions.

 

“The Arafura Games are all about competitors from different cultures coming to compete and enjoy the great Territory lifestyle,” Ms Martin said.

 

“The Adopt-A-Country Program takes that one step further by getting primary school students to learn all about the country of a visiting team.

 

“Millner Primary school has adopted Macau and will support the team of 180 athletes throughout the Games.

 

"Schools will be able to choose from 30 countries who will participate in the Games.

 

“Children from each school will help to design and produce a banner for their chosen country – with some students given the honour of carrying it in the opening ceremony.

 

“Students will also get the chance to compete in the same sports as the athletes prior to the Games in a two day inter-school sporting carnival.

 

“Hundreds of students will also get the chance to perform at the spectacular Arafura Games Opening Ceremony.”

 

For more information about the Adopt-a-Country or Youth Extravaganza programs please contact Peter Stretton, Education Coordinator - Arafura Games on 8982 2365 or peter.stretton@nt.gov.au or visit www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au.

 

Media Contact: Richard O’Leary 040111 9586