No. 71

PACIFIC SCHOOL GAMES TO COME TO CANBERRA

The Stanhope Government has provided $1.8 million for the Pacific School Games, which will be hosted by the ACT in 2008.

Minister for Education and Training and Minister for Sport, Andrew Barr, said the Games are a significant international multi-sports event for primary and secondary students.

“Hosting the 2008 Games in the ACT provides students, teachers, schools, sporting organisations and the wider community the opportunity to celebrate sporting and educational achievements,” Mr Barr said.

“Students from around Australia and the Pacific Rim will come to Canberra to compete in a variety of sports, giving us with the opportunity to showcase Canberra.

“While the Games undoubtedly provide opportunities for our elite sporting students to compete internationally, the focus of the Games is on the importance of participation in school sport and the important role sport and physical activity play in learning.

“The Games will also give all our students the opportunity for new friendships and to learn about other countries.”

Mr Barr said the Games would also provide tourism advantages for the Territory with teams to come from countries such as Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and New Zealand.

“Not only will hosting the Games provide our schools, students, teachers and parents with the chance to participate and meet new people, but they will have positive tourism spin-offs for the Territory,” Mr Barr said.

“As many as 30 different countries have participated in the Games in the past, involving more than 3,200 primary and secondary students, with more than 3,500 parents, teachers, team management and officials coming with the teams.”