SARS forces Arafura Games cancellation

By Michael Weaver

Continued uncertainty about the availability of international teams due to ongoing health concerns surrounding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has forced organisers of the 2003 Arafura Games in Darwin to cancel the event.

An announcement was made on April 23, less than one month before the games were due to begin on May 17.

About 200 ADF athletes will be affected by the decision, with many of Defence’s top-rated individuals and teams scheduled to compete at the biennial event.

Arafura Games spokesperson Andrew Cummins said meetings with key stakeholders had been held to discuss ways to limit the impact of the cancellation.

“With less than a month until the start of the 2003 Games, organisers felt there was simply too much uncertainty to be able to guarantee a successful event,” Mr Cummins said.

“While it is extremely regrettable that this year’s Games has had to be cancelled, organisers believe this is the only responsible decision.

“The advice organisers have received from both national and local health authorities indicates that the uncertainty is very unlikely to diminish in the 24 days leading up to the opening of the Games.

“Organisers had hoped the situation would improve, but recent news has suggested that no such guarantees are possible.

“The situation has been reflected in a number of countries that, despite their enthusiastic support and nomination for the Games, have been unable to confirm their attendance because of the climate of uncertainty.”

Mr Cummins said it was better to make the decision now. Any further delay would only make an already difficult situation worse for all involved.

Organisers are very aware of the substantial effect the decision will have on the local economy, in particular the tourism industry.

Many thousands of athletes will also share the disappointment of not being able to compete in a traditionally spirited event featuring more than 30 sports.

“However, in order to protect the Games’ image as a long-term sporting and tourism icon, it was necessary to act decisively,” Mr Cummins said.

Extra effort would now go into planning for the next Arafura Games in 2005.

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