2018 Pan Pacific Masters Games set to be largest ever

The Gold Coast’s Pan Pacific Masters Games is set to be the biggest in the event’s 20-year history after a huge day of entries upon opening on Thursday, 12 months in advance of the event in November next year.

Early signs indicate that the current record of 13,500 entries will be broken next year, when Queensland’s sports-loving participants will be joined by thousands of interstate and international entrants descending on the Gold Coast for the mutli-sport event, purpose-built for the over 30s.

Events Management Queensland Chief Executive Cameron Hart says the overwhelming interest in the Pan Pacific Masters Games reaffirms the event’s appeal to those looking to play sport and enjoy live nightly entertainment in a holiday destination.

Hart explained “there’s a real buzz about the Gold Coast in the lead up to 2018 and everyone wants to be a part of the action.

“This event has passed the test of time, since humble beginnings in 1998 to the world’s biggest biennial masters games – its reputation as a well-organised event using world-class facilities and high-quality live entertainment is growing rapidly.

“You don’t need to qualify for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to enjoy the fantastic facilities -  five GC2018 venues will be in use during the Pan Pacific Masters Games including the brand new Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Leanne Coddington said the Pan Pacific Masters Games has grown significantly over the past two decades, adding “it is a major event in Queensland for sports enthusiasts, attracting people from all over the country as well as overseas and showcases our ability to deliver high-calibre international multi-sport events.

“Athletes will compete in venues used to host the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games demonstrating the strong legacy benefits and tourism outcomes for the region long after the Commonwealth Games have finished.”

Hart highlighted the value of the event to the city, amid a strong reaction to comments made by former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett at the Going For Gold Legacy Symposium, hosted by the Gold Coast Bulletin earlier this week, when he called for the city to host a masters games event.

Hart concluded “the event is set to attract 35,000 visitors to the Gold Coast, consisting of 6,000 participants from interstate, another 1,000 from overseas and over 4,000 from other parts of Queensland, as well as accompanying persons and spectators, leading to 85,000 visitor nights and a boost of $20 million into the local Queensland economy.”

The biennial event runs from 2nd to 11th November 2018.

For more information go mastersgames.com.au 

Image: 2016  Pan Pacific Masters Games participants.

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