Mataram to host youth games

Mataram to host youth games

JAKARTA (JP): The West Nusa Tenggara capital of Mataram has been chosen to host the Arafura Youth Games in early August. It will be the second time the event has been held in the city.

Head of the provincial education and culture office M. Soelkan said yesterday that the city was now waiting for government approval to hold the biennial event which groups towns and cities in Indonesia and Australia.

Mataram last hosted the games in 1992. Organizers originally planned to hold this year's event in Jayapura, Irian Jaya.

"We kindly accept the appointment. The games will serve not only as a scouting ground for talented athletes, but a forum to improve the ties between Indonesia and Australia," Soelkan was quoted by Antara.

Athletes from 11 Indonesian provinces and Australia's Northern Territory will take part in the Games. (amd)