World Masters Games Targets 13,000 International Competitors

World Masters Games 2017 Targets 13,000 International Competitors as It Celebrates Two Years to Go

It will be the largest athletics meet New Zealand has ever seen. Four times the size of the 1990 Commonwealth Games, featuring an estimated 2500 athletes, with some 700 medals up for grabs.

As the largest competition within the World Masters Games 2017 sports programme, athletics is just one sport upping its planning and preparations to host the world’s largest multi-sport event for masters age athletes in Auckland. Today marks two years to go until the event kicks off with an Olympic-style opening ceremony on 21 April, 2017.

World Masters Games 2017 Organising Committee Chief Executive Jennah Wootten says the sheer size and scale of the international event has yet to be fully recognised by the host city and country.

“The last major gathering of athletes from multiple sports was 25 years ago when then 1990 Commonwealth Games hit town. They seemed big at the time but a quick look at the stats shows just how much bigger the World Masters Games 2017 will be on just about every level.”

“We see this event as a catalyst for New Zealand. A successful Games will demonstrate that New Zealand is capable of hosting a major multi-sport event,” she says.

Ms Wootten says the goal is to deliver on every level a superior Games, both for the 13,000 competitors who will travel internationally to compete, and for the good of New Zealand’s reputation as a host nation.

“We are working closely with our Airline Partner, Air New Zealand, to ensure ease of travel to New Zealand through its international network of more than 25 destinations throughout Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, Asia, Pacific Islands and South America. In addition, the airline’s extensive domestic route network means international visitors have great access to explore the rest of New Zealand before or after the Games.”

“As we celebrate two years, we hope people will get behind the Games effort, and start registering their interest – either as participants, officials or perhaps volunteers. We’ll be welcoming athletes from 100 countries to our country for the World Masters Games. We know New Zealanders will welcome these visitors in true kiwi style, and no doubt put up some stiff competition to keep the Games interesting.”

ENDS

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