NZCT Funding Huge Boost for Masters Games Success

Media Release for Immediate Use 6 June 2011

NZCT Funding Huge Boost for Masters Games Success

The New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has come on board as the major funder of the South Island Masters Games, to be held for the first time in Nelson in October this year.

NZCT is the largest funder of amateur sport in New Zealand, and CEO Mike Knell says the Masters Games is a great example of the type of projects NZCT funds. “Given the number of participants and sports involved, we felt this was a great initiative to support,” says Mr Knell.

Event organiser, Chris Thomas, said “The NZCT grant is a significant boost and will give the Masters Games the best opportunity to launch in Nelson and quickly become established as a marquee event for the region.”

“The Games is more than a sporting event, we see it as a cultural event with a major social element to it” said Mr Thomas. “People participate to network, find an interest and test themselves in physical competition, all in the interests of mental and physical wellbeing. The Masters Games will help promote the ‘Masters movement,’ and get more people participating in sports”.

More than 3,000 visitors are expected to pack out Nelson for the nine day sporting festival, making it one of the largest participation events in the South Island.

The Masters Games is a sporting festival, incorporating 50 different sports over nine days. Entry is open to anyone who is old enough – and for most sports that’s anyone over 30 years.

The world class $30m Saxton Stadium, itself a recipient of significant funding from NZCT, will be the base for the Games headquarters and many of the sporting events. A Taste of the Tasman expo showcasing Tasman regional products will also be located at Saxton.

Earlier this year, NZCT awarded the Masters Games a $25,000 grant, and a further $40,000 has since been added to ensure the success of the event in Nelson.

“NZCT is committed to investing in sports infrastructure and projects that help Kiwis participate in sport. The benefits of sport are immense – sport creates healthy people and healthy communities,” says Mr Knell. “Last year, with the help of the hard working publicans who operate our gaming machines, NZCT distributed $37.6m via 3000 grants to sports and community groups across the country. Around 80% of these funds are directed to sports.

“We’re proud to be associated with this fantastic event, and we know the organisers will do a great job running the competition in the new location,” he says. “It’s grassroots sport at its best and we wish everyone involved the best of luck”.

Entries are now open, with nearly 200 athletes already registered. Participants can enter on-line or complete the registration form in the entry book. Visit our website www.simasters.co.nz for all the latest information or phone 03 688 5531.

The South Island Masters Games has received sponsorship funding from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, which is funded by the Nelson City Council.

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