Masters Games just days away
It’s almost play and party time for more than 2000 over 30-year-olds.
Nelson is gearing up to host its fourth South Island Masters Games this week, an extravaganza of sport and entertainment that will provide another boost for a buoyant local economy.
Having alternated with Timaru each year since 2011, the games return to the top of the south in 2017, with preparations well under way at Saxton Field, where most of the sports will be played and the Games village will be based.
As well as over 2000 participants competing in 45 sports, there will be more than 250 volunteers helping Sport Tasman staff run the event, which has been reduced from nine to five days to bring everyone together at the same time.
The Games open on Wednesday and finish on Sunday.
Sport Tasman events manager Rita Merriman says the shorter timeframe will create an extra buzz at Saxton Field where up to 13 sports involving over 1400 people will be on at any one time.
``The place will have a fantastic energy to it.’’
Almost half of those entered are local athletes, while a third are coming from Canterbury, 10 per cent from Marlborough and 5 per cent from the North Island.
``The World Master Games in Auckland earlier this year has had a very positive impact on masters games in general and many of those coming from Auckland participated at the World Masters Games,’’ Merriman said.
An equal share of men and women, with an average age of 50, will compete.
Age is no barrier with almost 200 aged 70 and over, with the oldest at 89.
The most popular sports are netball with over 400 players, football (340), running and walking events (290), tennis and cycling.
About 40 per cent of competitors are first-timers to the annual event and Merriman says a lot of effort has gone into making sure the Games are fun on and off the park so they come back.
New offerings include Moveable Feasts, where participants can dine at three inner city restaurants in one night, eating a course at each.
There are two fancy dress functions and a casino night where people are given fake money to gamble with prizes for the high rollers.
A free shuttle, courtesy of Bowater Toyota, will operate over the weekend of the Games between Saxton Field and the city.
For further information go to www.simasters.com