Arafura Games

From its humble beginnings, the Arafura Games is now recognised as a leading international sporting competition for the developing athletes of the Asia Pacific region. Held every two years in Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, the Games is billed as a meeting of "Sporting Neighbours" and attracts competitors from all parts of Australia, nations throughout the Asia Pacific and beyond.

The Arafura Games began in 1991 as the Arafura Sports Festival with 1500 participants from seven countries competing in 13 sports. By the time the eighth Games were held in 2005, participation had soared to more than 3,000 athletes representing 32 nations, with competition in 30 sports. Over the years, tens of thousands of athletes, spectators, officials and volunteers have been involved.