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Paralympics Australia has announced its support of the 2019 Arafura Games as a gold member partner.
From 26 April – 4 May, over 1,500 athletes and team officials from more than 40 nations will converge on Darwin, NT, to compete in the Arafura Games, which are returning to the Territory after eight years.
More than 180 Para-athletes will compete in athletics, swimming, table tennis and tennis as part of an integrated Para-sport program.
Three-time Paralympic gold medallist and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kurt Fearnley said sponsorship of sports events like the Arafura Games was important as it’s the only multisport-type event inclusive of Para-athletes in the region.
“This type of event offers a fantastic pathway for regional Para-athletes,” Fearnley said. “For some people with disabilities, just getting to the starting line can be a barrier and so something like the Arafura Games opens up so many more opportunities.
“It builds on inclusiveness in Australian sport and offers Para-athletes the chance to meet and compete with other national and international level athletes.”
Paralympics Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Lynne Anderson said Paralympics Australia was very proud to support the Arafura Games because of the significant role the event plays in preparing athletes for the Paralympic Games.
“For many elite and emerging Para-athletes, the Arafura Games provide an important opportunity for classification, competition and qualification ahead of Tokyo 2020 and invaluable international experience at a large multisport event,” Anderson said.
The director of the 2019 Arafura Games, Sally Jarvis, welcomed Paralympics Australia into the Games family as sponsors.
“The support of our sponsors is key to the successful delivery of an outstanding, athlete-centred, sport-focussed Games and we welcome the commitment they have made to Darwin by investing in what will be an unforgettable event,” Jarvis said.
“The Games will also be a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that is great about Darwin and the Top End.”
The Arafura Games start on 26 April, with a spectacular Opening Celebration to be held at the Darwin Waterfront. All Arafura Games events are free, including the Opening and Closing Celebrations, excluding 3×3 pro hustle basketball at the Darwin Convention Centre, which is ticketed.
Sports will be held at the Marrara Sporting Complex, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin Waterfront, Parap Swimming Pool and Fannie Bay.
By Arafura Media
Posted: 09/04/2019
