Countdown on for World Masters Games 2017 in Auckland

The organisers of the World Masters Games 2017 in Auckland are looking forward to hosting 10 days of competition involving 28 sports at 48 competition venues in April next year.

Aiming to host the best World Masters Games event ever, athletes from more than 50 countries have already signed up to participate in the World Masters Games 2017 from as far afield as Malawi, Spain, Iceland, Brazil, Switzerland and Indonesia.

During a celebrating earlier this month of the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, World Masters Games 2017 Chief Executive Jennah Wootten said it was exciting to see registrations being received for all 28 sports, from so many diverse nations.

Wootten stated “this is the first time for Auckland as host city, and we’re just over a year away from welcoming the world to our door.

“The Games are all about camaraderie - people coming together for the love of sporting competition - and this day gives us a chance to reflect on the unifying power of sport within our culture.”

The World Masters Games is the world’s largest multi-sport event by participation numbers, and will be held in Auckland from 21st to 30th April 2017.

Endorsed by the International Olympic Committee, its purpose is to encourage people to retain their passion for sport through life as a pathway to health and wellbeing, friendship and understanding.

Wootten added “our target is to attract 25,000 competitors from 100 countries, and we are on the way to achieving this goal.

“We hope half the total number of athletes will come from within New Zealand, so we’re also encouraging kiwis to pick a sport and have a go. You don’t need to be good at sport, just come and enjoy the vibe.”

For more information, to register or volunteer, go to www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz

Image shows the concept for the World Masters Games 2017 opening ceremony.

21st April 2016 - AUCKLAND AND MELBOURNE ACHIEVE MULTIPLE WINS AT 2016 ULTIMATE SPORTS CITY AWARDS

6th April 2015 - CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

8th February 2016 - WORLD MASTERS GAMES 2017 APPOINTS OFFICIAL APPAREL AND MERCHANDISE PARTNER

2nd April 2015 - WORLD MASTERS GAMES 2017 SUPPORTS UN SPORTS INITIATIVE