8,000 head to Geelong to participate in 2013 Australian Masters Games

Thousands of sportspeople from across Australia are competing in Geelong at the nation's largest multi-sport participation event the 2013 Australian Masters Games, being held from 5th to 12th October.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty joined acting Mayor of Geelong Bruce Harwood and Games Chairman Kean Selway at the opening ceremony on Friday night (4th October) to declare the games open and kick off a spectacular week of sport and festivities.

Minister Delahunty explained "the Australian Masters Games are one of the most anticipated fixtures for mature age athletes on the sporting calendar and I am pleased to be here at the opening celebrations.

"This year, Geelong's finest sporting venues will host 8,000 participants from across Australia and a few from neighbouring countries to compete in 50 sports.

"The Victorian ... Government is committed to bringing the best major sporting events not only to the state's capital but to regional Victoria including Geelong."

Participants range in age from 30 to 100 years and include recreational athletes, right through to former Olympians competing in events like cycling, football, swimming and netball to archery, karate and table tennis.

Minister Delahunty added "there is no other competition in Australia where you will find people of all abilities over the age of 30 playing in this many sports in such a spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

"Inclusive events like these also dispel the myth that there's an age limit to participation and provide the perfect inspiration for others to join in the fun as players, officials or volunteers."

Minister Delahunty thanked the Confederation of Australian Sport, Australian University Sport, the City of Greater Geelong and sponsors for their efforts to secure the event.

He concluded "major events like these cast the spotlight on Victoria and provide a great opportunity for us to introduce the fantastic cities, towns and scenery of the Bellarine Peninsula to the rest of the nation.

"They also inject a significant boost to local sport, tourism, investment, community spirit and reinforce Victoria's reputation as a sporting capital."

The Australian Masters Games is a property of the Confederation of Australian Sport.

For more information go to www.australianmastersgames.com