In the remote Indigenous community of Ngukurr where sport is like religion, playing in scorching heat tipping above 40 degrees is part and parcel.
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For years, players have faced some of the hottest conditions in the country to play the games they love, while simultaneously lobbying for oval lights.
While it has been a long time in the making for the small town, excitement is high as a suite of new lights will be flicked on for the first time tonight.
"Participation in sport creates healthier, happier, more resilient communities and that's why the Territory Labor Government has invested $12 million in upgrading sporting infrastructure in remote areas across the NT," Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss said.
"The oval at Ngukurr can now be used during day and night for football games as well as other sporting activities and events that will contribute to positive outcomes for everyone in the community."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo, will officially turn on the lights at a celebration across the playing field this evening.
The $2.35 million investment has also funded lights at Barunga, oval upgrades at Robinson River and new multi-purpose courts in Borroloola.
"It will be wonderful to join the residents of Ngukurr to officially switch the oval lights on tonight," Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo said.
"Ngukurr community members have long been lobbying for the installation of lights to provide more opportunity for sporting activities and other community events and I am pleased the Territory Labor Government has been able to deliver this project."
Roper Gulf Regional Council Mayor, Judy MacFarlane said the new lights are expected to bolster sport participation in Ngukurr with night games now on the cards.
"The Roper Gulf Regional Council wants to encourage a strong sports and recreation culture for our communities so it's magnificent to see our sporting infrastructure being upgraded to this calibre," she said.
"The Ngukurr community will now be able to enjoy sports at the oval at night, that allows more sport to be played and at cooler climates to ensure we are looking after the athletes' health."
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