Nelson News

Major Funders 

Enjoy life while we can! That's the inherent message from the Christchurch Earthquakes and 3,000 athletes will converge on Timaru in October to sweat, strain and survive nine days of sporting, recreation and social action, to do just that!

The Games return to home base Timaru for instalment number six after a spectacular debut in Nelson last year..

The switch back to Timaru will be a hit with participants. Games Manager Chris Thomas said he has already answered numerous enquiries from around the South Island.

"There's a real buzz about the Games being back in Timaru" said Chris. "We are expecting record numbers - especially on the Netball Courts - which are likely to be another sell out."

The Games are a nine day sporting carnival with 50 different events on offer.

These include the traditional Olympic sports such as shooting, cycling, swimming and athletics along with a huge array of team and more contemporary events such as indoor rowing, triathlon and petanque.

"The team events will be the most popular, with large numbers expected in Netball, Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball and Football," said Chris. "We also expect good numbers in Lawn and Indoor Bowls, Badminton, Tennis and Golf".

For the not so active there is Pool, Snooker, Darts, Mini-Golf and even cards, with Euchre and Cribbage available.

"The great thing about the Masters Games is that anyone can enter", said Jill de Joux, the Games Administration Manager. "There are no qualification criteria; you don't need to be nominated by or represent a club. You don't even need to be a regular player; you can just have a go at the sport".

"Also participants are accepted from any area of New Zealand or overseas not just the South Island. Simply put - anyone can enter – as long as you're old enough"!

Most sports accept athletes 35 years of age and older, but some sports have lower age limits.

Besides the sporting activities, the nine night social programme caters for all tastes with themed entertainment nights featuring, dancing, live performances and music. The Games Village and principal entertainment venue will once again be based at Caroline Bay Hall - the bouncy floor is a huge crowd pleaser.  But expect some changes to accommodate the increased numbers.

Part of the format that the participants particularly welcome, is that winners get recognised. Over 5,000 gold, silver and bronze medals will be presented at the Games with all the fanfare of the Olympics.

The Games rely on a huge input of community volunteers. About 200 volunteers will fill a wide number of roles and really do keep the Games going. We also know from past experience that the Games will provide benefits to these volunteers. They become competent and confident with new skills and motivation and can take this back into their own communities.

There are also huge economic and emotional benefits to communities. Nearly $75,000 will be paid to local sports clubs for their part in running the various sporting events and tournaments. These clubs and associations also use the Games to fundraise, promote their sport, increase membership and enhance their skills and capabilities.

Many other non-sporting community groups will use the games for fundraising, promotion and development including service clubs, schools and St John and special fun events.

The Games are on in Timaru from 6-14 October 2012.  Entries open 1 May 2012.