Sporting locals from Cairns in Queensland were out in force at the Pan Pacific Masters Games (3 – 11 November) touch football competition finals at Owen Park today as they gear up for their own masters competition in August next year.
The inaugural Great Barrier Reef Masters Games to be held 9 – 11 August 2013 will be organised by the team behind the Pan Pacific Masters Games and will see an anticipated 2,000-plus competitors take part in more than 20 sports.
Event supporter and Cairns Touch Football President Brian Prove said the event will provide fantastic economic benefits to Tropical North Queensland.
“Two years ago we were facing the global financial crisis and I thought something like this would provide huge financial input into the community,” said Brian.
“I thought if we could do something like this (Pan Pacific Masters Games) or on a smaller scale, it would be great for Cairns.
“We’ve got the attractions up there such as the reef and the rainforests as well as plenty of water which lends itself to water sports.”
Brian, who is playing for the Chair Tips in the 50+ touch competition at the Pan Pacific Masters Games, has taken every opportunity to talk up the event and believes it will attract plenty of international interest due to its proximity to the Asia-Pacific region.
“We’re pretty close to places such as Singapore and we’ve got more flights coming in from Japan and China so that tourist aspect is getting bigger,” said Brian.
“To get 2,000 to 3,000 competitors would be great, actually it would be fantastic.”
Demonstrating the level of masters sporting talent from the North Queensland region was Cairns touch team Sportscene who made it all the way to the gold medal match in the men’s 45+ competition today.
Team manager and player William Davis said to have a masters competition in his own backyard would be great for the region also highlighting that his team would compete.
“A few of the boys have spoken about the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games and for it to be in our own backyard I don’t see why we wouldn’t play,” said William.
“Many of our players are nearing the end of their competition days but there is certainly more reasons for us to compete than not to at this stage.
“The event will bring people to Cairns and allow people from Australia and other countries to experience another part of the world.”
To register your interest for more information as the planning for this event progresses please visit www.gbrmg.com.au
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta whilst better in some elements but not momentous for us.
