Wednesday 30 September 2015

Game on in Adelaide for the Australian Masters Games

It’s all eyes on Adelaide from this Saturday 3 October as the 15^th Australian Masters Games roll into town for eight days of fierce and friendly competition.

Regarded as one of the premier and largest mass-participation events on the Australian sporting landscape, the 15^th edition of the Games will attract an expected 10,000 participants, volunteers and staff across 49 sports.

The Australian Masters Games aims to promote the benefits of long-term health and wellbeing by providing a platform through which adult Australians can compete, socialise and enjoy sport.

From archery to volleyball and everything in between, the Australian Masters Games offers something for everyone – no matter their ability or experience.

South Australian sporting legend and radio presenter Chris Dittmar is the chairman of the 15^th Australian Masters Games advisory board, and believes it is the social and inclusive nature of the Games that truly set them apart from other events.

“Some participants will be targeting fast times and medals, but for the vast majority, it’s all about keeping fit and active, while enjoying a sport they love amongst friends old and new,” said the former squash world no.1 and now Triple M Adelaide announcer.

“I’ll be one of those – the older we get, the better we get.”

The eight day event will inject millions of dollars into the local South Australian economy, attracting participants from all states and territories of Australia – with the previous edition in Geelong, Victoria also welcoming a number of international entrants from approximately 14 countries across the globe.

Multi-talented entertainer Rob Mills will be enjoying everything Adelaide and the Games have to offer in October, as the official 15^th Australian Masters Games ambassador.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed great success in the realms of musical theatre in recent years, playing Danny in the blockbuster national tour of Grease, and playing the role of Fiyero for more than 500 shows in the critically acclaimed Wicked.

It will all amount to a warm up come October however, as ‘Millsy’ takes to the court in mixed basketball against what will undoubtedly be some tough competition.

“I’ve had some tough auditions in my time, but from what I’ve heard about basketball at the Australian Masters Games, I’m really going to be up against it!” laughed Mills.

“Regardless of my own performance out there, I’m just thrilled to be a part of the Games and can’t wait to get to Adelaide and enjoy a pretty unique event.”

The undeniable stars of the show, however, are the participants themselves – all 10,000 of them.

81-year-old Dennis Peck of Tumby Bay will compete in his ninth Australian Masters Games come October and is certain it won’t be his last.

“Age is no barrier,” said Peck who will participate in athletics and canoe/kayak.

“There are people younger than me who say “I’d like to do it but …” and they never do.”

“I intend to keep going, at least until my knees give way. And even then, I’ll just kayak.”

But it’s not just sporting endeavours that will bring thousands of competitors and volunteers to Adelaide for the 15^th Australian Masters Games. An important and exciting aspect of the eight day event is a jam-packed social program – one that is full of action away from the field of play.

The Airbnb Games Village will play host to the very best music, food and drink South Australia has to offer every night, ensuring the 15^th Australian Masters Games will be the time of your life.

Late entries for the Games are still available, so enter now at www.AustralianMastersGames.com.

The Australian Masters Games is proudly sponsored by the South Australian Tourism Commission through Events South Australia.

Australian Masters Games Snapshot