A team of 18 junior athletes have been successful in being selected in the team to represent the Upper Hunter Shire Council at the 2014 International Children’s Games at Lake Macquarie. 

The games have never been held in the Southern Hemisphere before and will be held in December where athletes will travel from near and far to compete. 

Upper Hunter Shire mayor Michael Johnsen formally acknowledged the athletes at Monday night’s ordinary council meeting before councillors, family and friends. 

The group of athletes will represent themselves and the area in golf, swimming, athletics and football (soccer).

Athletes in the team include Will O’Donnell, Caitlyn Whitehead, Ali Field, Indyana Taylor, Sam Heaton, Zoe Harper, Melanie Richards, Rose Zahrooni, Caleb Taylor, Jesse Schumaker, Matthew Sokulsky, Ben Paine, Lachlan Neal, Corey Harris, Callan Cridland, Finn McLoughlin, Kyle Eriksson and Joseph Shaw. 

The coaches are Steve Sokulsky for soccer, Dylan Catzikiris for athletics, Yvette Taylor for swimming and Dave O’Donnell for golf.

Cr Johnsen welcomed the athletes to the council and congratulated them on their achievement. 

“The opportunity for our young people to be able to show their skills and extend themselves in the international field is a fantastic thing.

“We wish them all the best.”