The first sports have been confirmed for the 2021 Arafura Games.
A selection process based on a number of factors including pathways to high-level competition has confirmed the first 14 sports for Arafura 2021.
We acknowledge the 35 applications involving 40 sporting disciplines, and consideration is still underway for additional sports to be included in the 2021 program. The 2019 program included 15 sports across 17 disciplines.
Triathlon will be part of the 2021 Games, with the event to be held at Darwin’s iconic East Point. While having been involved with the Games previously, the multi-discipline event returns in 2021 after a decade.
Triathlon Australia is thrilled to be involved with the Arafura Games, with NT Triathlon facilitating the on the ground operations.
The 2019 Games resulted in visitor expenditure of $7.1 million, with an indirect contribution to the economy of $6.53 million.
The 2021 Games are scheduled for 14-22 May.
The 14 sports confirmed for the 2021 Arafura Games include:
- Athletics (including para-athletics and the Mitchell Street Mile)
- Badminton
- Basketball (5x)
- Boxing
- Muaythai
- Sailing
- Sepak Takraw
- Squash
- Swimming (including para-swimming)
- Table Tennis (including para-swimming)
- Tennis (para program only)
- Triathlon
- Volleyball (Beach, Indoor and including para-volleyball)
- Weightlifting
As noted by Minister for Arafura Games, Natasha Fyles:
“It’s fantastic to already be welcoming the first 14 sports on board for 2021, and particularly to have Triathlon as a new addition to the Arafura Games.
“The Labor Government has committed to the future of the Arafura Games and this decision is supported by 92 per cent of people surveyed during the Event Impact Evaluation.
“Even though the evaluation clearly states the Games injected over $7 million into our economy, and responders are overwhelming in favour of it, the CLP still refuse to confirm whether or not they’ll scrap it.
“The Games are more than sport and good times, the economic benefits to the Territory are tangible and real and this is reinforced by the number of sports who have thrown their hats into the ring to be involved 18 months out.”
As noted by Jacqui Cleghorn, Executive Officer at NT Triathlon:
“Triathlon NT are excited to have been selected in the round of first sports for 2021 Arafura Games.
“We haven’t been involved for a decade having missed this year’s games, but are looking forward to returning and showcasing the best Triathlon has to offer at one of Darwin’s most scenic locations.
“The games are a fantastic opportunity to engage with Oceania triathletes, and will provide opportunities for age-group and open age athletes to be involved.
