A group of 15 swimmers and track and field athletes will represent the City of Lake Macquarie at the International Children’s Games (ICG) in Daegu, South Korea from next week, departing next Tuesday, 4th July.
The ICG is the biggest youth multi-sport event in the world and is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. Lake Macquarie has been a regular participant in the annual Games since 2008 and in 2014 became the first Australian city to host the event.
The athletes chosen to represent Lake Macquarie at the 2023 Games are: Evie Lucas, Sophie Hamilton, April Maloy, Amelia Zaska-Bush, Hamish Ihle, Cameron Waite, Jett Jenkinson and Aleksander Gillon (Swimming); and Addison Bass, Tahlia Smith, Lacy Barnes, Marli Brunkhorst, Keira Carlson, Thomas Cashion and Xavier Orchard (Track and Field).
Head of Delegation Bianca Smith, from the Hunter Academy of Sport, said the Games were a great opportunity for emerging athletes.
“All of the competitors are aged between 12 and 15, so it is a rare opportunity for them to represent Australia and Lake Macquarie, as well as gain maturity as an athlete,” she said.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser wished all of the competitors’ luck as they prepared to fly out for the Games.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for them to expand their horizons – both athletically and more broadly as young people learning more about our world and its rich tapestry of cultures,” she said.
“I look forward to keeping up with their progress during competition, and hearing about their experience upon their return.”
Team Lake Mac will be accompanied by Lake Macquarie City Council representative Councillor Jack Antcliff. Two coaches will also travel with the team for South Korea; Tara Angell (athletics) and Ben Jenkinson (swimming).
The 2023 International Childrens Games are being held from July 5th – 10th, for more information, please visit http://www.icgdaegu2023.com/ and stay up to date on Instagram @teamlakemacquarie.