For some budding athletes, it's the opportunity of a lifetime - the chance to compete on an international stage and embark on a trip to Hungary.
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Lake Macquarie City Council has announced its team of representatives headed for the International Children's Games (ICG) in Kecskemet, Hungary in 2020.
Sixteen swimmers and track and field athletes will represent the area at the international event held from June 30 June to July 5.
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.
On the back of a successful event in Ufa, Russia at the 2019 games a number of athletes are returning to take their place in Team Lake Mac to again represent the City in Hungary.
The athletes chosen to represent Team Lake Mac at the Kecskemet Games are: Jacob Wheeler, Amber Xavier, Brooke Xavier, Jemma Pollard, Hannah Jarvis, Emily Richardson, Paige Wheeler, Amanda Young (athletics); and, Chloe Scanlon, Ella Kohl, Taylor Allen, Amelia Hall, Blair Southam, Caleb Baker, Che Van Beek and Spencer Hamilton (swimming).
Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said she had seen firsthand the positive benefits, both in a competition and a social sense, that participants gained from competing at the Ievent.
"The International Children's Games is a high-level competition that uses sport to promote cultural awareness and interaction, so our young athletes participate not only as competitors but also as goodwill ambassadors for their city and country," Cr Fraser said.
"Each year we have a great group of kids that make our community so proud. It is a wonderful chance for them to compete internationally, all while making new friends, travelling and learning about other cultures."
Sisters and local athletes Brooke and Amber Xavier are thrilled to be travelling to the games to represent Lake Mac and compete not only as sisters but also competitors.
"Having the experience to represent my city, wearing my uniform with pride and travelling to another country to compete is something I love and a dream come true. These dreams are made possible by Lake Macquarie City Council and ICG," said Brooke Xavier.
Brooke's sister, Amber Xavier said the selection in last year's team has helped her have a continued focus on her sport.
"The ICG has brought me closer to people and a burning passion. Ever since I was selected to compete in Russia last year, I haven't looked back. I have had the opportunity to compete against some amazing athletes and make new friends all over the world," she said.
"I am extra lucky that I can stand side by side with my sister in an international event. This has all been possible with the help of ICG, Lake Macquarie City Council and Hunter Academy of Sport," added Ms Xavier.
Head of Delegation, Karen Turner, from the Hunter Academy of Sport, said the games were a great opportunity for emerging athletes.
"It is an opportunity that has become available to this group of local young track and field athletes and swimmers through their hard work, dedication and passion to their individual sport," Ms Turner said.
This year we have selected a very talented team of athletes who I feel sure will put their very best effort into training and preparation and represent Lake Macquarie with pride and distinction."
Three coaches will also travel with the team to guide the athletes in their preparation for Kecskemet: Mavis Godber, Duan Daley (athletics) and Karen Leth (swimming).
