The inaugural Macquarie Bank-sponsored NPG was held in Tamworth on the weekend and delivered a huge success, with around 1500 young sportsmen and women participating across 12 different sports.

They came from as far north as the Sunshine Coast, all throughout regional Queensland and NSW, right down to Bowral, and the response well and truly exceeding NIAS’ expectations.

“We had a goal of having around 1000 children involved,” NIAS Executive Officer Jason Lincoln said.

“We got just under 1500, which we were thrilled about.” 

The NPG is  Mr Lincoln’s brainchild.

He carried the idea from the TAS Rugby Carnival, which he was one of the driving forces behind, and it has flourished in Armidale since it’s inception.

“I recognised a wonderful opportunity to offer children an inclusive multi-sport festival, which is experience driven rather than results driven,” he said.

The Australian Olympic Committee also recognised the opportunity.

“They could see the value of an event that is not elite or pathways focused, but rather focused on the spirit of sport,” he said.

“It was after receiving their backing that the concept really came to fruition.”

The next step was to find a major partner, and he was “lucky enough” to secure Macquarie Bank.

“The most exciting aspect from our perspective is the way the Tamworth community has latched onto the games, including children participating and the local sporting associations contributing on so many levels,” Mr Lincoln said.