Thousands of primary and secondary school students and their parents will converge on Adelaide next year for the 2015 Pacific School Games.
Tourism Minister Leon Bignell today announced that South Australia’s bid to host the 10-day event – which is open to able and disabled students from 10 to 19 years of age – had been successful.
“This is a fantastic outcome for South Australia and for the thousands of students and supporters who will be travelling here to take part in the Pacific School Games,” he said.
“The event is expected to involve at least 4,500 students with a predicted direct economic impact of $13.6 million.”
The Pacific School Games will be held from 21-29 November 2015, and will feature sports including swimming, diving, softball, baseball, soccer, touch football, table tennis and basketball.
“Students will be competing in our world-class facilities such as the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre and the sport and recreation precinct at Adelaide Shores, which will boast two new international-level baseball and softball diamonds,” said Mr Bignell.
“This is a really exciting opportunity to welcome thousands of visitors to South Australia and promote the many attractions in Adelaide and across our regions.”
Education and Child Development Minister Jennifer Rankine said students who are involved in sport are more likely to be a team player, with strong leadership skills and a positive attitude.
“To succeed in sports at this level, most young people have to work very hard. These lessons in discipline and motivation are transferrable to the classroom – making it a win-win situation for everyone,” said Minister Rankine.
School Sport Australia Executive Officer Brad Allen said he was pleased the Pacific School Games would be held in Adelaide.
“I would like to thank the South Australian Tourism Commission – in particular Events South Australia – for its support in recognising the value of conducting this iconic event for Australian and international school students,” he said.
The Pacific School Games began in Brisbane in 1982 as a lead-in to the Commonwealth Games.
The first event involved about 2,200 participants, with the latest event in Canberra attracting more than 4,800 students and more than 3,000 accompanying visitors.
“Teams from all Australian states and territories and up to 30 visiting nations have participated in past Pacific School Games,” said Mr Bignell.
“Countries invited to be part of the action have come from many of our key tourism markets, including New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong King and Canada, as well as a range of other nations around the Pacific Rim.”
Events South Australia’s successful bid for the Pacific School Games follows its work to secure events including the 2015 ITU Duathlon World Championships, the 2015 Australian Masters Games, the 2015 AFL Masters National Carnival, and the 2016 Club Crew World Championships for dragon boating.
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