1. How many students will be involved in the 2008 Pacific School Games?

Up to 4,000 primary and secondary students will compete in the Games. About 70 per cent of these will be drawn from across Australia with the remainder coming from overseas. Competition opportunities for students with a disability will be an integral part of the 2008 PSG.   

 

The 2008 PSG is committed to maximising opportunities for ACT students in all aspects of the 2008 PSG event experience. These opportunities will range from participation in performing arts displays at official ceremonies to officiating, hosting and volunteer duties during competition.

2. How many teachers will attend?

It is anticipated that that between 500 and 600 teachers and adult officials will be involved in the 2008 PSG. They will play a key role in supervising visiting student teams during their stay. It is expected that about half this number will be teachers and adult officials from overseas countries.

3. How can ACT teachers be involved in the 2008 Pacific School Games during school time?

The 2008 PSG Management will hold discussions with the ACT Department of Education and Training, the Catholic Education Office (Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn), and the Association of Independent Schools to investigate ways ACT teachers can be available for the 2008 PSG.  Developments in this regard will be announced via this website at a later date.

4. How are competitors selected? I am interested in competing at the 2008 Pacific School Games.

Competition at the 2008 Pacific School Games is open to bona fide school students aged from 10 to 19 years.

 

ACT (Canberra) students

The sporting body responsible for selecting the ACT team is School Sport ACT who regularly conduct sporting competitions at district, zone and Territory Championship level which underpin the selection process.

Australian students

Students from both government and non-government schools are eligible to participate as long as their school is affiliated with its relevant school sporting association in 2008. Each Australian state and territory is responsible for managing selection of its own team.

International students (i.e. countries other than Australia)

Students from overseas countries (from the Pacific Rim and other invited nations) will determine their own selection policy and qualification standards. Any students interested in competing, should speak with their sports or physical education teachers.  Schools and sporting organisations can contact the 2008 PSG office for more information - see Expression of Interest form. (56kb pdf)

 

All competitors will need to have certification of their enrolment in a school signed by their school principal.

5. Will competitors receive a special kit at the 2008 Pacific School Games?

All students involved in the 2008 PSG will receive an information / souvenir pack. This will include an assortment of materials and information on Canberra’s tourism attractions.

6. Where are teams accommodated during the 2008 Pacific School Games?

Accommodation options during the 2008 Pacific School Games are:

• private accommodation with family or friends
• commercial accommodation with family or friends
• commercial accommodation with team  
• team based accommodation in a number of locations
• billeting 

See Accommodation

7. Are there any opportunities for non-competing students from Canberra  to become involved in the 2008 Pacific School Games?

It is expected that students right across the ACT education system will be part of the development of the 2008 PSG, undertaking projects that enhance the relevance of their courses to real life work situations and contribute to the organisation and development of the 2008 PSG.  

 

Interested schools, universities or other educational institutions should contact the 2008 PSG office for information about becoming involved in the 2008 PSG.

 

See Education

8. Are there any opportunities for volunteers in the lead up to and during the 2008 Pacific School Games?

Without the support of the vast community volunteer network the 2008 PSG simply will not happen. Opportunities exist for teachers, coaches and community members to be involved in the roles required for this major sporting event. We will need technical officials for each of the four sports as well as event officials in areas such as hospitality, communications and administration. There are also opportunities to participate in the opening and closing ceremonies, the excursion program and to support the special events and functions our visitors will engage in during the week.

 

See Volunteers

9. Will the competitors undertake any non-sporting activities during the 2008 Pacific School Games?

As the 2008 PSG will be a celebration of education, youth and sporting endeavour, the provision of broad learning experiences and educational opportunities in and out of the sporting arena will be an essential component. There will be an educational excursion for all 2008 PSG competitors focussing on Canberra’s national institutions.

 

During the 2008 PSG, competitors will have the opportunity to visit a host of Canberra attractions. Visitors will be given information on some of Canberra’s well-known land marks including the National Gallery, new and old Parliament House, Questacon, and the National Zoo and Aquarium to name a few.

10. Will there be any media coverage?

The Pacific School Games Management is developing media strategies and opportunities to ensure maximum exposure for the 2008 Pacific School Games in Canberra, nationally and internationally. This will include highlighting Canberra as an excellent tourism and sporting event destination. 

 

Media material is being developed for distribution across Australia and internationally.  A number of the visiting nations are likely to send their own media contingents to cover aspects of the 2008 PSG including the sporting events and the major ceremonies.

Following the lead of past PSG the 2008 Pacific School Games Management is currently in negotiations to secure partnerships with local, national and international media organisations. Contact the Communications Manager.

 

Last updated on: 17 January 2008