The Arafura Games is an international multi-sport event. The game is usually held every two years in the Australian city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory. This game is a multi-national game which draws its competitors from around the world. With Ancient Olympic Games you can travel an informative journey of international events and sports competition.
The first Arafura Games was held in 1991. Since 2005, various events for athletes with physical disabilities were included. In 2009, the most recent Games take place which has involved over 30 nations and over 3,000 athletes. The games held in 2007 received support from the International Paralympics Committee (IPC).
The Arafura Games takes its name from the Arafura Sea, which is situated between northern Australia and Southeast Asia. The nations that are situated around the Arafura Sea originally formed the foundation of the Arafura Games. However, in recent years countries from across the region have participated, together with USA, England, Brazil and Liechtenstein. It was earlier named as the Arafura Sports Festival until 1997. In 2003, the Arafura Games cancelled because of the alarming concern over the SARS virus.
These Games were the first ever worldwide sporting festival to have incorporated Australian Rules Football as a part of international competition sport in its own right. The International Australian Football Council was fashioned after the 1995 Games.
In 2009 the Games was successful to great extent. It has attracted competitors from 49 countries, including Northern Ireland, Iran, Kiribati, Korea and one sole competitor from Slovakia who has marked his presence by winning a gold medal. Various games were played including some new games that were introduced in the year, these are- Darts and Muaythai. Medals and letters of certification were given to all the young men and women who assembled in Darwin.
The next Arafura Games will be held on 2011 from 14 – 21 May.