Alison Shanks Heading Home as Masters Games Ambassador

Alison Shanks Heading Home as Masters Games Ambassador

Former world champion cyclist, Alison Shanks, was announced tonight as a Masters Games Ambassador at the official launch of the 2016 Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games to be held in Dunedin 30 January - 7 February.

Games Manager, Vicki Kestila said, "We are thrilled to bring home one of Dunedin’s sporting heroes to act as an ambassador for our 2016 Games. Alison’s inspiring career in cycling captivated the nation – in Dunedin she simply stole our hearts!”

Dunedin born and bred, Alison Shanks became New Zealand’s golden girl of the velodrome achieving World Champion status twice for the Women’s 3000m Individual Pursuit in 2009 and 2012. She also won Gold at the 2011 Deli Commonwealth Games and came fifth in the team pursuit at the 2012 London Olympics and fourth in the individual pursuit at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Shanks will share her ambassadorial duties with Otago rugby mentor Tony Gilbert.

Unable to attend tonight’s launch, Alison Shanks said, from her home in Cambridge, she’s a big fan of the country’s largest multi –sport event.

“The Masters Games provides an opportunity that allows that competitive instinct in us to stay alive and kicking - having a challenge to strive for and then test yourself in competition is a healthy way to live, and what better way to do it than with a bunch of friends and some party time thrown in between!

“I'm really looking forward to coming home to Dunedin and getting involved in what will be a vibrant and exciting event for the city. Dunedin will always be home to me, so any opportunity to jump on a plane and come back to our stunning city - I'll be there! “

Prior to embarking on her cycling career, Alison Shanks played netball for the Otago Rebels for five years and is looking forward to her involvement with that sport at the Masters Games.

”I'm sure there will be a few old team mates strutting their stuff on the courts!”

The 2016 programme offers 70 sporting events with Quick Rip Rugby featuring as a new sport in the 2016 line-up.

The age criteria for competitors at the Games varies according to each sport but in general is usually 30yrs and over. While many participants are very competitive, level of experience is not so important, as Vicki Kestila says, “The spirit of the Games is all about taking part and having a go.”

The launch, held at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, marks the opening of registration for the Games. Games Chairman and Dunedin City Councillor John Bezett, says that more than 6000 competitors are expected to take part.

ENDS

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