Darwin Waterfront became a site of an amazing performance marking the Opening Celebration of the Arafura Games 2019. Dance, music and song joined together in a powerful show with thousands of people packed at the spectators’ zone to see a stunning Larrakia Welcome to Country. 

It was a special moment when athletes representing all 17 sports marched at the flag parade counting more than 40 countries attending the Games. Representatives of muaythai were proud to bear flags of Austria, Czech, France, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand being unique representatives of their countries at the entire Games across all the the sports.

 
Chief Minister Michael Gunner addressed all athletes in his heartfelt welcoming speech saying that for the next eight days they will compete, forge friendships, and make long-life memories on the land of the Larrakia.
The Opening Celebration concluded with a beautiful firework highlighting the amount of people gathered to welcome all the guests of the beautiful Darwin.
Tomorrow the first competition day starts in the venues of the Arafura Games and more than 1,500 athletes across different disciplines will make their way towards the awarding podium.