Australian Masters Games mark return of national mass participation events to Western Australian venues

The Australian Masters Games commences tonight with an opening ceremony at Optus Stadium, signalling the first major national mass participation event to take place in Western Australia since the borders reopened. It is also the first time that WA has hosted the premier sporting event in almost 30 years.

The Games, which officially run from 23rd to 30th April, are expected to attract 3,000 participants and supporters venues including HBF Stadium, WA Athletics Stadium and Bendat Basketball Centre.

The event schedule features more than 30 sports including swimming, athletics and basketball.

The biennial event, which was rescheduled due to the pandemic, is open primarily to participants aged 30 and over.

Although sport is the main attraction, the social atmosphere of the Games is also tipped to offer a much-needed boost to WA tourism and hospitality operators.

WA Acting Sport and Recreation Minister Don Punch advises "It is incredibly exciting for WA's world-class venues to welcome back major national mass participation events.

"The Games offer a fantastic opportunity for participants aged 30 and over to get off the couch and into the sporting arena - enabling everyday Australians to keep physically active regardless of their age.

"The Games showcase Perth's ability to host a diverse range of sports and is a testament to our premier sporting facilities.

"I encourage Perth locals to check the Games' schedule, get out and support the sports that are taking place in their community."

WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook enthused "we're thrilled this event is kicking off tonight, with the week-long Games supporting accommodation providers, restaurants and cafés, and other tourism businesses in Perth.

"I encourage all those travelling from interstate to extend their stay and experience all our vibrant capital has to offer, or even venture out to the regions for a trip down to WA's South-West or up to our incredible Coral Coast region.

"We know tourism businesses have been challenged by the global pandemic, especially in the Perth region, and drawcard events like this in WA will help our industry rebuild."