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Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kon Vatskalis today kick started plans to promote the Northern Territory as a training ground in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

 

Minister Vatskalis said Darwin is an ideal training and acclimatisation centre for countries that are preparing to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

 

“We have a fantastic lifestyle and our climate, sporting facilities, time zone compatibility and the Northern Territory Institute of Sport are all key reasons why Olympic teams should consider training here in the lead up to Beijing,” said Mr Vatskalis.

 

“My Department is in the process of writing to Sport Ministers of the 49 countries in the European Union.  We will be promoting the Territory and our facilities and will be asking them to consider Darwin first.  We want them to know our sporting facilities are open for business.

 

“Arafura Games prove our sporting facilities are top quality.  Our weather and climate are similar to Beijing, and with the facilities and expertise of the Northern Territory Institute of Sport (NTIS) it makes perfect sense for teams to train here.”

 

To further promote the Territory ahead of the Olympics, NTIS Scientist Dr Matt Brearley leaves for Canberra tomorrow to take part in the Australian Olympic Committee Beijing 2008 Heat Stress Workshop.

 

The one day workshop brings together a range of experts to discuss practical solutions for management of environmental stress during Australia’s Beijing 2008 Olympics campaign.

 

Dr Brearley, a former NT Research and Innovation Award winner, has developed a range of strategies to limit thermal strain during physical activity in the tropics and will be presenting on athlete acclimatisation and monitoring.

 

"The workshop provides an opportunity to influence the practices of the Australian Olympic Team," said Dr Brearley.

 

"It is also an opportunity to boost the reputation of the Northern Territory Institute of Sport and the Territory’s sporting facilities.

 

"The NT Institute of Sport researches athlete preparation and competition in hot conditions on a daily basis.”

 

During his visit to Canberra Dr Brearley said he will also meet with Dr Chris Gore, Head of Physiology at the Australian Institute of Sport to highlight the possibility of the NTIS being recognised as the national heat training and acclimatisation centre.

 

Media Contact:  Tiffany Stodart 0401 118 411