Fun the aim of Twilight 400 contest
around 8.30pm-9pm.
The only things competitors need to bring are an appetite for f un, good humour and, optionally, a period costume.
“There’s a theme, Twilight Throwbacks. We encourage people taking part to express their yesteryear personality,” Ms Pickering said.
She suggested sport uniforms from school days, a 70s-era celebrity lookalike, or perhaps pyjamas and a teddy bear.
“Last time the theme was Kiwiana and somebody wore a dress made from jandals. Some people get really creative.”
There’s a prize for best costume but Ms Pickering stresses dressing up is optional.
Twilight 400 is split into two competitions of 100 competitors each. The first competition is held on Tuesday/Wednesday with prizegiving at the Games Village on Wednesday night.
The second competition is held over Thursday/Friday, followed by prizegiving.
Three hostesses from the Masters Games in Dunedin are making their way to Whanganui and will provide host duties on board the venue buses.
Small bore shooting is held at Okoia, darts at the Wanganui Darts League hall in Heads Rd, archery at Wembley Park and target bowls at the Wanganui Bowling Club.
Ms Pickering said none of the four sports are difficult to play. Target bowls is like lawn bowls, only instead of a kitty, a bullseye-like target is used. The closer you get your bowl to the centre, the more points scored.
Archery might l ook t he hardest of the four, but Ian Holland from the Wanganui Archery Club said everything was set up to make it as easy, and as safe, as possible.
“People underestimate the physicality of archery. It can take weeks to build the strength needed to pull the bow back properly.”
But that won’t be a problem for the Twilight 400 competition. Lighter beginners’ bows will be used. “We’ll run them through the basics and they’ll be pretty close to the targets — 10m.”
Competitions across all four sports are divided into age categories starting at 35-plus to 70-plus. Team entries are also accepted.
¦The Masters Games are in Whanganui from February 3-12.