Great Barrier Reef Masters Games attracts record participation

The fifth Great Barrier Reef Masters Games (GBRMG) in Cairns has attracted a record breaking 2502 participants – an increase of 20% on the previous event in 2019.

From Gordonvale in the south and north to Trinity Beach, athletes participated in 17 sports, including swimming and athletics, target pistol shooting and archery, beach volleyball and hockey.

The four-day event also included a host of social engagements, including the sold-out Sportsperson’s Dinner at the Hilton Hotel on Friday (21st May), featuring the Games Ambassador and five-time Olympian Natalie Cook OAM OLY, as well as dual-Olympic basketballer Chris Anstey and former professional footballer (soccer) Zenon Caravella.

Cook was a popular figure at this year’s Games, holding beach volleyball clinics with local school and TAFE students, and visiting a host of sports across the four days.

Meanwhile, Anstey again took to the court with the HasBeens, who successfully defended their GBRMG title.

The 2021 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games officially kicked-off on 20th May, with athletes taking part in the traditional march-in along the foreshore to the official opening event held at Fogarty Park.

Other social events included a Day at the Races on 18th May, Friday Fiesta at The Jack, the High School Reunion closing party on Sunday.

More than 150 also took part in 4km Games Gallop fun run along the Esplanade on 19th May, which raised more than $2700 for local charity Kick-On, including a $2000 donation from Halpin Partners.

Mayor Bob Manning said this year’s Games had surpassed all expectations with some sports more than doubling their participation rate.

Mayor Manning advised “at times the weather really tested everyone’s resolve, but I think everyone was just so happy to be able to get out there and compete, especially after such a challenging 12 months.

“We had an incredible 20% increase in participation, with some sports recording a doubling of registration numbers.

“The city was alive with the colour and laughter of people from across Australia and even a few from New Zealand, who registered as soon as the Trans-Tasman travel bubble was established.

“These games will have a significant economic benefit for our city and I am sure the stories participants take home will encourage friends and family to visit us in two years for the next instalment.”

Planning has already started on the next Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, which are scheduled for 25th-28th May 2023.

Image: Great Barrier Reef Masters Games ambassador and Olympic gold medallist, Natalie Cook OAM OLY, with Councillor Max O’Halloran.