Teams ready for action in Gurrung Sports Carnival

The excitement is building in the lead-up to the Gurrung Sports Carnival, two days of sensational sport set against the stunning backdrop of the West Arnhem escarpment.

Games in the popular, grass-roots football and basketball competition will get underway from 4pm Friday 5 September.

Hundreds of participants in teams from Daly River, Gunbalanya, Croker Island, Goulburn Island, Maningrida, Pine Creek, Katherine, and Darwin will travel to Jabiru to compete in men's and women's basketball and men's football in what is West Arnhem's premier sporting event.

West Arnhem Regional Council Youth, Sport and Recreation Coordinator Ian Douglass says youngsters from the Jabiru and Gunbalanya Girls Academies are expected to put in a strong showing against seven other teams from colleges in Darwin to Warruwi league champions the Mardbalk Cats.

"The Minjilang Tigers are also set to defend their men's AFL premiership title against stiff competition including home-ground favourites the Jabiru Bombers, as well as the Kybrook Lions from Pine Creek and the Warruwi Young Guns from Goulburn Island," Douglass said.

"The Gurrung Sports Carnival brings in hundreds of young sportspeople to Jabiru who also get the opportunity to enjoy the Mahbilil Festival, which runs from noon on Saturday."

Headlining this year's Mahbilil Festival is the explosive 9-piece East Journey from Yirrkala in East Arnhem Land. There will also be magpie goose cooking competition, arts and craft stalls, local food, rides and more.

Download the Gurrung Sports Carnival 2014 Program here.