Pan Pacific Masters Games set for another record-breaking event

Entries for the 9th biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games to be held from 1st to 9th November 2014 on the Gold Coast opened this week with a record-breaking number of participants expected to register in over 40 sports. 

More than 12,500 masters athletes, aged 30 and above, from Queensland, interstate and overseas are expected to converge on the Gold Coast this year to compete and socialise at the world’s biggest biennial masters games. 

Events Management Queensland Chief Executive Cameron Hart said the Pan Pacific Masters Games continues to cement its position as Australia’s premier multi-sport event and is set to break participation figures for the fourth consecutive time since 2006. 

Hart explained “the Pan Pacific Masters Games which first began in 1998 has grown to become such an integral event on the biennial sporting calendar for the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia.

“The previous edition attracted 12,259 athletes and their supporters with more than half coming from interstate and overseas resulting in a massive boost for Queensland in both the tourism and sport industries.

“It was estimated that the event generated more than 80,000 bed nights on the Gold Coast in 2012 and we can expect to see a similar, if not greater figure, at this year’s games.”

Hart said the Pan Pacific Masters Games is on par in terms of participation levels with some of the biggest sporting occasions in the world such as the Summer Olympic Games, adding “our event has more participants than some of the world’s most famous multi-sport events including the Summer Olympic Games which averages 10,000 competitors. 

“Add the number of competitors with a nightly entertainment program at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and you start to realise the sheer size of this event.”

1984 Olympic Games and 1982 Commonwealth Games heptathlon gold medalist Glynis Nunn-Cearns will make her return to the Pan Pacific Masters Games this year after playing a major role as an ambassador and  an athletics participant in 2012. 

Backing the event, Nunn-Cearns stated “the Pan Pacific Masters Games is one of the hallmark sporting events on the Gold Coast and I’m thrilled to be a part of it once again this year. 

"I’ve already started to plan my training for the event after suffering an ankle injury recently but I’m confident I’ll be able to compete once again and hopefully win another gold medal.

“But, to be honest, I’m most looking forward to hanging out with thousands of masters-aged athletes at the Games Village and sharing in the camaraderie the event is renowned.”

This year’s sport program lists 42 sports including three new sports (trivia, fitness challenge and equestrian – dressage) and three returning sports (sailing, diving and indoor cricket). 

To enter or for more information visit www.mastersgames.com.au.

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