By AMAN GHOSAL
Sikh Games a success
The 28th Annual Sikh Games were held at the Geoff King Motor Oval in Coffs Harbour from April 3-5, and were enjoyed by participants and attendees alike. More than 1600 players participated, a new record for the ever increasing popularity of the Games. Despite inclement weather, over 15,000 people attended the games from countries like New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and of course, the local talent.
Lending their presence to the Sikh Games ere MP Luke Hartsuyker who declared the Games open, as well as MLA Andrew Fraser, Sandeep Singh, captain of the Indian hockey team and popular Punjabi singer Harbhajan Maan.
A whole range of sporting activities such as kabaddi, soccer, netball, hockey, touch footy, badminton, basketball, volleyball and tug-o-war were presented, with contestants vying with each other to carry away the trophy in their respective fields of expertise.
At the end of the Games, there were many satisfied winners with other not so lucky athletes determined to try harder next year. The organisers were thanked for their impressive arrangements including food and shelter, considering that the weather was rainy.
The Sikh Games were started 28 years ago in Adelaide with two clubs and now have 46 member clubs. The Games were organise to promote sporting spirit within the Sikh community and to offer the opportunity to meet and mingle.
The next Sikh Games will be held in Brisbane next Easter, followed by Adelaide. Amandeep Singh Sidhu from Woolgoolga was elected as President for ANSSACC, which si the umbrella organisation of the community.