Arafura Alive
20 February 2007
The Arafura Games came alive this week for 600 students who competed in a two-day inter-school sports carnival at Marrara Stadium.
As part of the Arafura Alive competition, students from 14 Territory schools represent 20 ‘adopted’ countries in 10 Arafura Games sports events.
Employment, Education and Training Chief Executive Margaret Banks said, “About 300 students participated each day in a range of events including Aussie Rules, Badminton, Basketball, Disabled Athletics, Football, Golf, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Table Tennis and Volleyball.
“In preparing for a day of healthy physical exercise as part of goNT week, these primary students have been learning about the international teams visiting during Arafura Games 2007."
Many students participated in the disabled athletics event.
“Able-bodied students were temporarily disabled to compete in four events: a 60m wheel chair sprint, a 100m visually impaired run, a cerebral palsy or amputee long jump and a 60m relay with a member from each disability."
The sporting activities were co-ordinated by sport development officers, DEET staff and teachers, with the Arafura Games mascot, Rocky, also appearing to cheer the students on.