The 26th New Zealand Masters Games Are Underway

The 26th New Zealand Masters Games Are Underway

The opening ceremony of the Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games got underway on Friday night with a big crowd of supporters, athletes and volunteers alike.

Craig and Sue from 92.8 MORE FM officiated the ceremony which saw moving and passionate speeches from Mayor Annette Main, Games Executive Trevor Strong and Games Ambassador Sean Johnson, all with a clear message about the promotion of health, inclusion, friendships and Wanganui. It was then that the Main Tent came to life with the arrival of the representatives from the 56 sports and as Mayor Annette Main said “although it's not the Olympics, the sense of pride on people's faces is unmistakable “.
This loud and proud display of passion was then followed by the lighting of the ceremonial Games torch by Wanganui Events Trust CEO and Games organiser, Judy Doyle and with that Games Ambassador Sean Johnson declared the 26th Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games officially open.

Saturday morning began with Volunteers and the Games team on site from 6am, making sure the Games first sport got underway without a hitch. Petanque lead the march at 8am, followed by Basketball, Multisport - Duathalon, Tennis, Athletics, Badminton, Indoor Bowls, Football, Touch, Motorcycle Road Race, Rock n Roll, Dancesport and Archery – all of which got underway before lunch. Last night’s entertainment saw the Main Tent jam packed, with several buying Supporters Passes just to see the much anticipated Legends Show, starring top class impersonators of Tina Turner, Meatloaf, Joe Cocker and Neil Diamond.

For the second full day of competition you can expect to again see a variety of sports taking place at different venues throughout Wanganui. At the Wanganui RSA Pool 8 & 9 Ball gets underway from 7:45am, which is just sport one of a 15 sport day. For the full list of sports on today, pick up a sporting guide from the Games Village or download the daily dairy from www.nzmg.com Tomorrow’s village action includes Lassoing and Horse Shoe throwing in the Village from 3pm, solo artist Andy Gilmour performing from 5:30pm, the Interislander Quiz from 7pm, local DJ Ron Heaps from 8pm and the highlight of last year’s games – The Noodles, performing from 8:30pm till 11pm on the Main Stage.

For all enquiries concerning registration, volunteers, results, sports and merchandise, the NZCT Games Village will be open every day from 8am or download the phone app for NZMG.

ENDS

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