FUN AND THE GAMES IN 2017 !
It was a small idea by a physical education teacher in Slovenia nearly 50 years ago that gave impetus to the first International Children ’ s Games , an event now recognised as the biggest multi-sport youth event in the world .
Professor Metod Klemenc , inspired to create a better world by his own experience of a war-torn childhood , had a notion that sport could be a medium to promote friendship , peace and tolerance among young people , while also providing them with an opportunity to compete at international level .
The first International Children ’ s Games ( ICG ) in 1968 was a humble affair , held in Celje , Slovenia , involving children between 12 and 15 from nine European cities who met for a track and field competition .
Nearly half a century later , the ICG has grown into an international sporting showcase , complete with opening and closing ceremonies and an athletes ’ village . More than 36,000 young athletes have since competed in the Games , which have been hosted by more than 50 cities across five continents .
Lake Macquarie , a regular participant in the Games since 2008 , became the first Australian city to host the event in 2014 , staging a fantastic Games that attracted 1300 athletes from around the world .
The 2017 Games are in Kaunas , Lithuania in July , and Lake Macquarie is calling for expressions of interest from young athletes who would like to represent their country and city at the event .
Lake Macquarie is seeking nominations from children in five sports : swimming , athletics ( track and field ), sailing ( Optimist and Laser 4.7 classes ), basketball ( three-onthree ), and football ( six-a-side ). Entry is open to athletes who live or attend school in the Lake Macquarie local government area and will be aged between 12 and 15 on 31 December 2017 .
The Hunter Academy of Sport will manage the Lake Macquarie team , with athletes to be supervised by experienced coaches and managers . Academy Chief Executive Officer , Brett O ’ Farrell , said the Children ’ s Games offered emerging young athletes a valuable opportunity to gain experience competing at international level .
“ The standard of competition is high , and the scale of the event inspires athletes to put in their best performances ,” Mr . O ’ Farrell said .
“ They love the experience of representing their city and country and mixing with competitors from all over the world in the athletes ’ village .”
A number of Lake Macquarie competitors from past Games have used the experience as a springboard into higher levels of competition . Among them are golfer Jake Higginbottom , now a professional tour player , sprinter Dakota Thomas , a national junior athletics title-holder and Australian netball representative , and sailor Harry Morton , who went on to win a world 29er title and is now training with the national 49er squad , with his sights set on the Tokyo Olympics .
Morton has fond memories of attending the Games in Bahrain in 2010 and Lanarkshire , Scotland , the following year .
“ As a competitor , it was really good for me to experience what it is like sailing in a different country against people who have different techniques and styles , as well as dealing with the language barrier and the unfamiliar conditions . But the best thing about it was staying in the athletes ’ village , and mixing with other kids from all over the world .” he said .
Track and field coach Colin Muir , who has accompanied Lake Macquarie teams to three Games , echoed Morton ’ s comments about the camaraderie of the village .
“ The kids love being there . They make so many friends and now , with Facebook and social media , it ’ s easy for them to stay in touch and carry on the friendship ,” he said .
Lake Macquarie Mayor , Cr Kay Fraser , will accompany the team to Kaunas as the council ’ s representative , and the new civic leader is looking forward to her first ICG experience .
“ The International Children ’ s Games is a wonderful event that emphasises participation and cultural exchange ,” she said .
Nominations are open until December 19th , and Cr Fraser encourages eligible young athletes to take the opportunity to put their names forward .
To lodge an expression of interest , or for more information on the ICG and athlete eligibility , visit the Hunter Academy of Sport website at www . hunteracademy . org . au
TIME TO CELEBRATE !
Join us for a range of events and activities this summer .
Christmas operating hours Council offices closed from 12noon Friday 23 December until Tuesday 3 January 2016
More details : www . newcastle . nsw . gov . au
Australia Day 2017 Thursday 26 January
Head to Honeysuckle and enjoy a full day of great activities , there is something to suit all ages and interests ! Award nominations open until 7 December .
For more information visit : www . newcastle . nsw . gov . au
/ newcastlecouncil
WHAT ’ S ON THIS SUMMER
MERRY CHRISTMAS !
New Year ’ s Eve 2016 Saturday 31 December Honeysuckle precinct
New Year ’ s Eve celebrations feature live music and roving entertainment for all ages . The night will wrap up with fireworks lighting up the sky at the family friendly time of 9pm .
2571NOV16
www . intouchmagazine . com . au | 5