A TEAM of 78 teen athletes has been named to compete as Team Lake Macquarie at the Lake Macquarie International Children's Games in December.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mayor Jodie Harrison said the Games provide a rare opportunity for these athletes to compete against other children from across the world in their home town.
"As host city, Lake Macquarie has the opportunity to have a full delegation of athletes in each sport," Cr Harrison said.
"The other participating cities from Australia and right around the world are limited to a team of 18 athletes, so this is a great way for us to showcase the talent we have in Lake Macquarie."
Cr Harrison said the event isn't all about sports and competition.
"It also provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for children from different cultural backgrounds to come together to learn from one another, and I am sure all of the members of Team Lake Macquarie will do us all proud as we welcome the world."
The team announcement was a particularly special moment for track and field athlete Emma-Sue Greentree, of Bonnells Bay, and her family.
The Lake Macquarie event will be the third time Emma-Sue has competed at the International Children's Games.
Emma-Sue is hoping to defend her gold medals in the high jump and girls' relay.
Age restrictions mean that this will be Emma-Sue's final chance to compete at the Games.
In 2008, Lake Macquarie became the first Australian city to participate in the International Children's Games, and in 2014 the city will be the first in the Southern Hemisphere to host this significant international event.
The team is:
BMX: Brandon Greenwood, Jared Liverod, Rhys Ashman, Jarred Tindall, Cooper Pozniak, Cellito Guidice, Caitlin Scanlon Serone, Kimberly Aslop, Georgia Beckers, Kaitlin Budden.
FOOTBALL (soccer): Jayden Barnett, Jacob Campbell, Rex Fernance, Eden Garbett, Reece Green, Matthew Randall, Zachary Thomas, Wilson Tweed, Molly Arens, Georgia Cook, Lisa Crane, Amber Letham, Katelyn Liddiard, Breanna Steadman, Tessa Tamplin, Jade Timms.
GOLF: Jesse Fittler, Jye Pickin, Piper Prince, Makensie Toole.
GYMNASTICS: Matthew Youngberry, William Bradley, Kelly Kildoff, Aphra O'Brien-Slade, Jorgie Hills, Claire Beverley.
TRACK AND FIELD: Jack Jordan, Thomas de Jager, Miles Petersen, Tom Steel, Luke Young, Anton Fenech, Dakota Thomas, Teah McPherson, Kathleen Young, Bernice de Jager, Emma-Sue Greentree, Chelsea Eggington.
SAILING: Tom Stivano, Emma Jones.
SWIMMING: Lucas Baita, Jye Pastourmoglou, Ryan Walker, Adam Vincer, Jasmine Anderson, Jade Frith, Brittany Naylor, Chloe Papadopoulos.
WATER POLO: Saxon Quick, Jackson Morgan, Luke Dunford, Andrew Dunford, Tom Ophir, Rhys Wilson, Jacob Haywood, Bailey Sheather, Liam Feighan, Jorden Bubb, Jorja Rocteur, Mikayla Kirchner, Shanae Kirchner, Grace Whipp, Gabrielle Hooper, Georgia Hammond, Marlee Hammond, Abby Cartwright, Jade Hill, Jolie Marsden.
