On your marks, get set……
Entries now open for the 15th Australian Masters Games
The Australian Masters Games are officially open for business, with entries launched today for the 15th edition of the Games in Adelaide this October.
One of Australia’s largest multisport festivals the Australian Masters Games is expected to attract 10,000 participants across 55+ sports for the week-long sporting and social programs.
Some sports, such as softball are expected to sell out quickly and participants are encouraged to be on their starting blocks ready with entries now open.
Alongside the 10,000 participants expected in Adelaide will be a number of sporting stars keen to relive their glory days including Olympic cycling gold medallist Brett Aitken, dual Olympic volleyballer Louise Bawden, Adelaide 36ers NBL champion Brett Maher, Adelaide Bite general manager Pat Kelly, Olympic hockey gold medallist Alison Peek, four time world championship softballer Tracey Freeman and rowing world championships silver medallist Tory Toogood.
The sport ambassadors will be competing in a variety of different sports throughout the Games, not necessarily the sports in which they achieved world class results.
Organising committee advisory board chair Chris Dittmar, a former world squash number one and South Australian sports star of the year said that the opening of Games entries is an exciting milestone for the event.
“We are now officially open for business with participants set to enter from across Australia as well as internationally,” Dittmar enthused.
“There are 55+ sports on offer for participants to try including some fabulous new sports like roller derby, True Grit, figure skating and parachuting. You won’t catch me jumping out of a plane, but during the Games I will be giving darts a go.”
“In the lead up to opening entries we have made some important announcements including the recent unveiling of Wolf Blass Winery and Coopers Brewery as the official wine and beer suppliers for the Games.”
“The Games are taking a strong charity focus in Adelaide and in a major step to give back to the community we are set to announce four charity partners over the coming days.”
“Adelaide is the spiritual home of the Australian Masters Games and I know that the 10,000 participants coming to my hometown are set for the times of their lives”, Dittmar said.
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Recreation and Sport Leon Bignell said the impact events like the Australian Masters Games has on the Australian community cannot be underestimated.
“One of Australia’s largest multisport festivals, the Australian Masters Games is an event that highlights the benefits of remaining active no matter your age, and encourages people to be more active, more often,” Minister Bignell said. “The Australian Masters Games highlights not only the benefits associated with remaining active, but with a strong social program included in the Games, it shows the benefits that social interaction plays when actively involved in a sporting club or association.
“Importantly the Games also celebrate the role of volunteers and non-playing attendees in sport. Both these groups are integral to the success of sport at all levels. Without the coaches, managers and volunteers, events like the Australian Masters Games wouldn’t be possible.”
“The South Australian Government is proud to be supporting and hosting such a wonderful event.”
The Australian Masters Games is proudly sponsored by the South Australian Tourism Commission through Events South Australia.
Australian Masters Games Snapshot
| When: | Saturday 3 October – Saturday 10 October, 2015 |
| Where: | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Who: | Over 10,000 people from across Australia and overseas. The event is open to anyone who meets the age requirements of their sport of choice. It does not impose qualifying standards and welcomes participants from all over the world. The only criteria to compete in the Australian Masters Games is you must meet the minimum age criteria which in most sports is 30 years. |
| What: | A week-long festival of sport and festivities. Australia’s largest regular multisport Games will feature 60 sports, ranging from athletics to basketball to parachuting to weightlifting. Visit www.AustralianMastersGames.com for more information and to enter.Click here to watch a promotional clip on the Games. |
| Entertainment: | As well as an extensive sporting schedule, the Australian Masters Games will also comprise of a variety of social events throughout the week, including an Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony, providing a festival atmosphere for both competitors and visitors to Adelaide. |
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Media enquiries regarding the 15th Australian Masters Games can be directed to:
| Samantha CulbertGames Media and CommunicationsT: 03 9822 7110 or 0409 989 409 | Nic MercerGames General ManagerT: 08 7070 1451 or 0410 640 342 |