Arafura Games Cancellation

[bm2]

Just a quick word for those of you out there who may have been interested, or for those who had already submitted their entries to compete in the 2003 Arafura Games in Darwin for the period 17-25th May.

The NT Govt has today cancelled the games, citing SARS and the inability of some participating countries to confirm their attendance. It is a great pity, as the Arafura Games, whilst not up there with the Olympics, always showcases some tremendous sporting events, with competitors from around Australia as well as our Asian neighbours.

With a little luck, Qantas will gladly refund those of us who are now out of pocket a return airfare to Darwin!!!!

PLEASE NOTE::::

THE ARAFURA CLASSIC SINGLES IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT TOURNAMENT FROM THE ARAFURA GAMES, AND HAS NOT BEEN CANCELLED AS FAR AS I AM AWARE...................

Broni

 

[Graham]

from :

http://www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au/cdsca/dsr/arafura/2003/

ARAFURA GAMES 2003 CALLED OFF

The Arafura Games 2003 has been called off. The decision is due to the continued uncertainty about the availability of international teams and ongoing health concerns surrounding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) were among the deciding factors.

Meetings with key stakeholders will be held over coming days to discuss ways to limit the impact of the cancellation.

With less than a month until the start of the 2003 Games, organisers felt there was simply too much uncertainty to be able to guarantee a successful event.

While it is extremely regrettable that this year’s Games has had to be cancelled, organisers believe this is the only responsible decision

The advice organisers have received from both national and local health authorities indicates that the uncertainty is very unlikely to diminish in the 24 days leading up to the opening of the Games.

Organisers had hoped the situation would improve, but recent news has suggested that no such guarantees are possible

The situation has been reflected in a number of countries that - despite their enthusiastic support and nomination for the Games - have been unable to confirm their attendance because of the climate of uncertainty.

Organisers said it is better to make this decision now. Any further delay would only make an already difficult situation worse for all involved.

Organisers are very aware of the substantial effect that this decision will have on the local economy, in particular the tourism industry. Organisers are also aware of the disappointment this will cause to our sporting community and volunteers and we share that disappointment.

However, in order to protect the Games’ image as a long-term sporting and tourism icon, it was necessary to act decisively.

Extra effort would now go into planning for the next Arafura Games.

 

[Peter Coburn]

Arafura Games 2003 Cancellation

Due to the threat of the SARS virus the Northern Territory Government has advised that Arafura Games 2003 has been cancelled. All registered participants will be advised as soon as possible in regard to their travel arrangements. This advice will come from the Arafura Games Office and not each individual sports committee.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL IN NO WAY EFFECT THE ARAFURA CLASSIC SINGLES 2003.

The Arafura Classic Singles, TBA National Rankings Tour Tournament will still take place as all participants are currently resident in Australia.

Please ensure your preferred squad time is booked as soon as possible.

Squads are still available Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th May 2003. With the cancellation of the Games some discounted airfares will now be available for this weekend.