The Darwin Waterfront will be showcased to an international audience thanks to the Arafura Games 2019, with the Recreation Lagoon set to be transformed into the venue for the beach volleyball competition.

The beach volleyball competition has attracted the maximum number of teams possible, with 16 women’s teams and 36 men’s teams set to take part.

Sand will be brought in to temporarily transform part of the Recreation Lagoon into two competition-ready beach volleyball courts, while the rest of the lagoon will remain open for swimming and provide a stunning backdrop for spectators (see artist's impression, attached).

The design of the temporary beach volleyball courts integrates with the Darwin Waterfront’s normal maintenance of the beach at the Recreation Lagoon.

The Darwin Waterfront will also host the free Opening Celebration (Friday, 26 April, 6.30pm) and Closing Celebration (Saturday, 4 May, 6.30pm), and six sports will use the Darwin Convention Centre as their venue.

To find out more about what events are happening as part of the Arafura Games 2019, visit www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au. All events are non-ticketed and free, with the exception of the Pro Hustle 3x3 competition. Tickets for that are available at www.3x3hustle.com

Quotes from Minister for the Arafura Games, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Labor Government is bringing back the Arafura Games to create jobs and opportunities for Territorians, and to put Darwin and the Territory on the world stage.

“We have athletes attending from more than 40 nations, and hosting the beach volleyball competition at the Darwin Waterfront will show off this world-class tourist destination to an international audience while activating the surrounding area and the CBD.

“Building two temporary courts at the lagoon will create a natural amphitheatre with spectators able to watch the action - which starts on Wednesday, 1 May - from the grassy parklands.

“We have an incredible 52 teams competing, and fans will watch them take to the beach in what is expected to be a fiercely contested tournament filled with serves, spikes and sunshine until the nail-biting finals on Saturday, 4 May.”

Quotes from General Manager for the Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Sam Burke:

“Bringing beach volleyball to the Recreation Lagoon is another fantastic element to the Arafura Games 2019 at the Darwin Waterfront.

“Locals, visitors and spectators will be able to enjoy the energy and excitement of beach volleyball from the comfort of the natural amphitheatre around the Lagoon, while enjoying food, drinks, ice-cream and snacks from the multitude of fantastic offerings at the Waterfront.”

Quotes from beach volleyball player, 16-year-old Jordyn Galbraith:

“My teammate Ocane Bedggood and I are really excited we were selected to play beach volleyball at the Arafura Games.

“It will be a great experience playing against competitors from other countries and different age groups. Competing in the Arafura Games will also improve our skills at competition level.”

Media Contact: Leanne Hudson 0427 687 079