The finishing touches are being put on preparations right around Darwin as the countdown to the long-awaited return of the popular Arafura Games begins.
The Opening Celebrations may be only hours away but for some of the 800 Games’ volunteers they have already been on the ‘job’ for weeks helping with sport coordination, liaising with teams and getting venues ready for competition.
Others are itching to get on with the job of making the 2019 Arafura Games a success.
The Minister for the Arafura Games Natasha Fyles today met and personally thanked three of the volunteers who will support the running of the multi-sport event.
John and Edna Rivas have volunteered for every Arafura Games since their inception in 1991.
John is a former high school science teacher and is now the Honorary Consul General for the Philippines. He worked with the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation to ensure that a Filipino delegation participated in this year’s Games.
John and Edna are registered volunteers and will work as team attachés, looking after the Philippines team of 158 athletes who hope to “take home a bag of medals”. John will also assist with the Filipino business delegation.
Jodie Campbell is loving her volunteer role greeting athletes, officials and business delegates at the Darwin International Airport. She moved to the Territory seven years ago and tries to do one or two volunteer activities a year.
The Arafura Games kick off tonight from 6.30pm at the Darwin Waterfront with an exciting line-up of Territory and interstate artists and a pulsating fireworks display.
Quotes from the Minister for the Arafura Games Natasha Fyles
“The Arafura Games are more than a sporting event. They foster friendship, goodwill and camaraderie – not only for athletes and officials but volunteers too.
“Volunteers have embraced the return of the Games and are happy to help put Darwin on the international multi-sport calendar once again.
“I know our volunteers will receive the satisfaction of helping our community, being trained in different sets of skills and promoting the liveability of our city.
“Without them these Games would not be possible. I thank each and every one of them and wish them luck for the next eight days.”
Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192.