The NT Government is reviving the Arafura Games with a brand new mascot.
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In a bid to bring back the games as a significant tourist attraction, to promote trade and business opportunities, and create jobs, the government is pulling out all stops.
What began as the Arafura Sports Festival in 1991 with 1500 athletes competing in seven sports has developed into an international multi-sport event attracting participants from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The new mascot, Milula (pronounced Mi-loo-la), is described as a young wallaby who lives around Darwin’s East Point Reserve.
Today, students at Wulagi Primary School met the special character when Milula, dropped by to say 'hi' with Assistant Minister for the Arafura Games, Kate Worden.
“Mascots are an important part of any such event and, as the old mascot Rocky was retired when the former CLP government cancelled the Arafura Games in 2013, a fun new figure was needed," Ms Worden said.
“Local artist James Carter has done a fantastic job revitalising the Arafura Games mascot to reflect the revitalisation of the event itself.”
Darwin artist James Carter designed the original Arafura Games mascot, Rocky, in 1991 and saw the revival of the Arafura Games as a chance to revitalise and refresh the event’s mascot.
Milula has been designed with a coat full of colourful markings that represent his love for celebration and dance, his strong connection to the Larrakia people and country, and his enthusiasm for the colourful spectacle of sport.
“I produced Rocky at the beginning of my career, and to be able to revisit the Arafura Games through designing Milula has given me an opportunity to demonstrate how my skills have developed," Mr Carter said.
“The return of the Arafura Games was a fantastic opportunity for me, and Milula is inspired by the Traditional Owners, the Larrakia people, their artwork and ceremony.”
The 2019 Arafura Games will be held over eight days, from April 26 to May 4.
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