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Sporting relations between Timor Leste and the NT have taken another step forward with Member for Nhulunbuy Lynne Walker representing the Territory Government on a visit to the country over the weekend.

 

Ms Walker attended a number of meetings with Timor Leste Government and sporting officials, discussing a range of issues including participation in next year’s Arafura Games.

 

“As one of our closest neighbours, the Northern Territory has a strong and proud history with Timor Leste and it is important that we continue to develop this relationship,” Ms Walker said.

 

“The sporting arena offers a fantastic opportunity to build closer ties between the two jurisdictions.”

 

The Timor Leste National Olympic Committee indicated that a team of 30 athletes will attend the Arafura Games in Darwin next May.

 

“I met with their Olympic Committee President Joao Carrascalao who believes it is extremely important that Timorese athletes participate in the Arafura Games,” Ms Walker said.

 

Ms Walker also met with Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, the Hon Miguel Manetelu who was interested in the Northern Territory Institute of Sport.

 

“Timor Leste has a long term plan of developing a sports academy so we discussed ideas and options surrounding this,” Ms Walker said.

 

Ms Walker also cheered on the Casuarina Women’s Football club in an International Friendly soccer match against Timor Leste club side SLB Laulara Football Club.

 

The game which ended in a one all draw was well attended by local soccer fans and also Australian troops serving in East Timor.

 

The soccer team also experienced a number of cultural excursions whilst in Timor Leste including meeting President Jose Ramos Horta who encouraged further sporting matches.

 

“This was a once in a lifetime experience that shows the benefits both on and off the sporting field,” Ms Walker said.

 

 

Contact: Natasha Fyles 04488 66312

Related files:
Walker.01.12.ETimor.pdf ( 317.21 kb )