Strong interest shown in forthcoming Pacific School Games

17/2/96

International sporting rivalry will be put to the test when the cream of young athletes from across the globe meet in the Pacific School Games in December.

Education Minister Colin Barnett said South Africa and New Zealand - Australia's key sporting rivals - were the latest countries in a long list to declare a strong interest in sending teams to the Pacific School Games, set to be the largest youth sporting event to be held in the southern hemisphere.

The Pacific School Games - to be held at Perry Lakes Stadium and the Superdrome - was set to attract more than 3,000 competitors and would be about the size of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.

More than 40 teams were expected to take part including teams from all Australian States and Territories, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, USA and Norfolk Island.

The strong international participation in the games would also be backed by local support from Perth's widespread multicultural community.

Eighty representatives from key multicultural and sporting groups came together today for a full briefing on the games to rally support in all areas of the event.

Mr Barnett said more than 2,000 volunteers would be required to help with transport, interpreting, billeting, and fund raising, as well as caring for disabled athletes, communications and to officiate.

"In addition to the participants, we expect thousands of officials and spectators - an influx of maybe 6,000 people," Mr Barnett said.

The whole event has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to Perth businesses and the State.

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore said the Pacific School Games should be seen as more than a school sporting event.

"Over a five-day program of competition, we will see both able and disabled students from 11 to 19 years old take part in athletics, swimming, diving and gymnastics, representing national or regional teams," he said.

More than 600 events involving 3,000 competitors will be held.

"The educational excursions and cultural exchange being planned for the visitors from throughout Australia, Asia, Oceania and the Americas are just as important as the quality competition," Mr Moore said.

Vice President of the Australian-Asian Association (WA) Mel Fialho said Perth's ethnic community had been involved with many international events and would be delighted to be invited to assist with the Pacific School Games.

The Education Department is appealing to all Perth residents and businesses to help support the games.

For further information phone Kim Pervan on 264 4239.

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars 222 9699