Still time to enter the Arafura Games!

In May, over three thousand athletes will descend on Darwin for the 16th Arafura Games. The Games are a multi-sport event held every two years in the top end, drawing competitors from all over Australasia. It has steadily grown from its humble beginnings in 1991 and now boasts 26 sports including events for athletes with disabilities. As well as being a “meeting of sporting neighbours”, the Arafura Games can act as a stage upon which promising young athletes can develop their skills and build a platform to go on to bigger and better things. In 1999, Jun Jye Wei came to Darwin with the Chinese Taipei contingent to play in the Arafura Games. She was just 19 years of age but showed massive potential which was proven when she won gold in the Open Women&aposs Event as well as gold in the Women&aposs Team Event. Along the way she shot a three-under 69 to break the women&aposs course record at Darwin Golf Club. The record still stands today. Wei later turned professional and joined the Ladies Japanese Tour. In November 2006 she won the Daio Per Elleair Ladies Open in Ehime before returning to Australia to compete in the 2007 MFS Women&aposs Australian Open at Royal Sydney in February. Wei performed exceptionally well, managing to maintain her form throughout all four rounds, shooting four-under to finish second behind Australian number one, Karrie Webb. Wei&aposs breakout at the 1999 Arafura Games proved to be a significant stepping stone in her career. Perhaps this year we will see another potential star emerge? It is not too late to enter the golf competition for the 2007 Arafura Games! There is an Open division for men and women as well as a Junior division for boys and girls. If you have a group of three or four players you can also enter the Teams Event. The handicap for men is 12 and women 18 – this also applies to juniors and seniors. To be eligible for the junior competition, competitors must not have reached their 19th birthday by May 15, 2007. Entries close on April 13 – please visit the Arafura Games website for more information.