100-day countdown to 2024 Pan Pacific Masters Games
Date released: Tuesday 23 July 2024
In just 100 days more than 16,000 athletes will be on their marks and set to GO when the biggest multisport competition in the southern hemisphere kicks off on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The 13th edition of the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG) with a record breaking 46 sports will be contested over 10 days of competition at venues across the city from 1-10 November 2024.
An event renowned for its friendly but fierce competition PPMG attracts athletes from every state and territory in Australia and all over the world with multiple teams from New Zealand, America, India and Papua New Guinea already registered.
High on the list of priorities for the Events Management Queensland (EMQ) CEO Ben Mannion this year is to dispel the myth that this event is for people over 30 years and seniors only.
“The age of a ‘master’ in sport is imposed by the sport with athletes as young as 18 – 19 years able to compete in multiple sports including swimming, 3×3 basketball and diving.
“Master’s level sporting competition was established for dedicated individuals who wanted to continue to train, try new sports, compete in a professional environment beyond elite competition and importantly enjoy the company of likeminded sports loving people.
“We are delighted that many of our PPMG participants return year after year to compete in some of the best venues in Australia including many that were purpose built for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“And they have more sports than ever to contest in 2024 with the addition of stand-up paddling (SUP), 5 a-side football, showjumping in the equestrian program, kettlebell in the powerlifting program and 3×3 basketball.
“Entries are coming in thick and fast with more than 90 teams registered for calisthenics which is now closed and sports like basketball, football and hockey have reached team entry capacity in some divisions.
“Having more than half the expected registrations received already is a great indication of just how this event will boost the local economy with more than 70 per cent of those registrations from outside southeast Queensland.
“We have a great line up of entertainment this year kicking off with the Australian Rock Collective at the Entertainment Hub which is located at the easily accessible Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Mr Mannion said.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said events like the Pan Pacific Masters Games showcase Queensland as the premier destination for international sporting competitions.
“The Pan Pacific Masters Games is renowned for being one of the friendliest sporting competitions in the country.
“The global exposure together with the thousands of athletes and spectators who will travel to the Gold Coast reinforces our reputation as a world-class sporting hub.
“It’s terrific to see events like this filling up our local hotels and restaurants and proving a real boost to our visitor economy.
“This event highlights our exceptional sporting facilities and welcoming local community, while also promoting the unique attractions, stunning landscape and vibrant culture of the Gold Coast.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was looking forward to meeting his fellow PPMG competitors in 100 days.
“It’s always a great atmosphere on the Gold Coast when you see the master’s athletes happily wandering around and frequenting our cafes and restaurants in their brightly coloured team uniforms,” Mayor Tate said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing who my competition is going to be in the powerlifting and hope they haven’t trained too hard and dash my hopes of a medal.
“We’re a great host city for sporting events and we welcome the master’s athletes from all corners of the globe with well wishes for a great competition and a great time exploring our beautiful destination.”
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the Pan Pacific Masters Games is an absolute highlight on the Gold Coast’s major events calendar every two years.
“This highly anticipated event attracts athletes from across Australia and all over the world, providing a welcome economic boost for the region and the opportunity for us as a city to showcase our unique destination to a global audience and the experiences we offer.”
The Pan Pacific Masters Games will officially kick off from 1-10 November with an opening ceremony on Saturday 2 November at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre followed by entertainment from the Australian Rock Collective.
The Pan Pacific Masters Games are organised by Events Management Queensland and are proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Events Management Queensland acknowledges and pays respect to the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region, the Saltwater People of the Gold Coast, as the traditional owners of the lands and waters upon which we invite and welcome participants from across the globe to experience our events.
