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)