In light of continuing uncertainty around the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the NT Government has announced that the Arafura Games will no longer go ahead.

The Arafura Games are a multisport event that targets international athletes.

The Games require extensive planning for almost 20 sports across multiple venues.

Due to ongoing uncertainty around international border and travel restrictions, and the implications of the global pandemic on our near neighbours, the Government has decided it is safer to discontinue the event.

Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles:

“Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic means planning for future Arafura Games is impossible right now, so we have made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

“While it’s still two years away – our priority remains on keeping Territorians safe, and ensuring the community gets vaccinated.

“Unfortunately, we cannot put a date on the end of COVID-19, which makes hosting international sporting events such as this very difficult to plan for.

“I thank sporting teams and organisations for their ongoing participation and support of the Games - without them we wouldn’t have been able to show off Territory talent on an international level and hold such successful events.

“Through the Arafura Games we have developed strong relationships with our international sporting neighbours and we thank the participating nations across the Asia Pacific region for their support in 2019, and their ongoing friendship.”