Games History

From its humble beginnings, the Arafura Games are now recognised as a leading international sporting competition for emerging athletes of the Asia Pacific region. Held every two years in Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, the Games are billed as a meeting of 'sporting neighbours' and attract 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 Games were held in 2009, participation had doubled with athletes representing more than 40 nations, with competition in 27 sports. Over the years, tens of thousands of athletes, spectators, officials and volunteers have been involved.