Media Release

December 3, 2008

Sporting Links Support Pacific-Australia Relationship

Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Duncan Kerr SC MP, has welcomed the participation of Pacific Island countries in the 2008 Pacific School Games.

Hundreds of students from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Guam, have joined other Pacific Rim countries as well as local teams competing in the week long Games, which commenced this week in Canberra.

“Sport has long been an important arena for social and cultural engagement between Australia and the Pacific, and our shared passion for sports is something that brings Pacific nations together both on and off the field” said Mr Kerr. “It’s great to see these sporting relationships being developed at the school level through these Games.”

“Australians have forged enduring links with Pacific island peoples over many years through a wide range of sporting endeavours, from soccer and basketball to Australian rules football and the rugby codes. These people-to-people links help to build mutual understanding, and strengthen Australia’s relationships with our Pacific neighbours.

“In recognition of the important place sport holds in the Pacific islands, Australia has provided substantial support for sport in the region over a number of years. This includes funding for a wide range of sports-focused projects in the Pacific. In March this year Prime Minister Rudd extended that commitment to supporting rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

“To restate what the Prime Minister said, helping provide young people with better access to sporting facilities and activities is a good way for us to support improved fitness and good health among young people in the region.

“It will also assist in developing the potential of participants in local and regional sporting competitions, including the Pacific School Games.”

The Pacific School Games began as a test event for the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane and has been held regularly in various Australian locations since.

The 2008 Games is the first to be held in Canberra, and is being run with the assistance of funding from the ACT Government. The Games encompasses competitions across five sports: swimming, athletics, basketball, hockey and diving.

Media inquiries: Mr Kerr's office - 02 6277 4991 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555