The 2018 Pan Pacific Masters Games are shaping up to be the biggest ever.
The Gold Coast’s Pan Pacific Masters Games is set to be the biggest in the event’s 20-year history after a huge day of entries upon opening yesterday, 12 months in advance of the event on 2-11 November 2018.
Early signs indicate that the current record of 13,500 entries will be broken next year, when Queensland’s sports-loving participants will be joined by thousands of interstate and international entrants descending on the Gold Coast for the mutli-sport event, purpose-built for the over 30s.
Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart says the overwhelming interest in the Pan Pacific Masters Games reaffirms the event’s appeal to those looking to play sport and enjoy live nightly entertainment in a holiday destination.
“There’s a real buzz about the Gold Coast in the lead up to 2018 and everyone wants to be a part of the action,” Mr Hart said.
“This event has passed the test of time, since humble beginnings in 1998 to the world’s biggest biennial masters games – its reputation as a well-organised event using world-class facilities and high-quality live entertainment is growing rapidly.
“You don’t need to qualify for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to enjoy the fantastic facilities – five GC2018 venues will be in use during the Pan Pacific Masters Games including the brand new Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.”
Visitors to the Gold Coast for the Pan Pacific Masters Games love playing sport in Queensland.
Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said the Pan Pacific Masters Games has grown significantly over the past two decades.
“It is a major event in Queensland for sports enthusiasts, attracting people from all over the country as well as overseas and showcases our ability to deliver high-calibre international multi-sport events,” Ms Coddington said.
“Athletes will compete in venues used to host the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games demonstrating the strong legacy benefits and tourism outcomes for the region long after the Commonwealth Games have finished.”
The Vicsens Juniors will return to the Gold Coast to play softball at the 2018 Pan Pacific Masters Games.
First to sign up yesterday as soon as entries were online is Sue Donaldson from Victoria who will be joining participants from all states and territories, as well as over 30 countries worldwide.
Sue’s team, the Vicsens Juniors, will be competing in softball for the seventh time at the Pan Pacific Masters Games since their first experience as 35 year olds in 2006.
“We love the Pan Pacs, the weather, being close to the beach, and of course we love our softball!” Ms Donaldson said.
“Some of the team have been playing together all of our lives, so to be able to continue to share this experience as we near 50 years of age is truly a wonderful thing.
“I love bringing the ladies to the Gold Coast – I’m the team organiser, the bus driver and the short stop – and I love it!”
Mr Hart highlighted the value of the event to the city, amidst a strong reaction to comments made by former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett at the Going For Gold Legacy Symposium, hosted by the Gold Coast Bulletin earlier this week, when he called for the city to host a masters games event.
“The event is set to attract 35,000 visitors to the Gold Coast, consisting of 6,000 participants from interstate, another 1,000 from overseas and over 4,000 from other parts of Queensland, as well as accompanying persons and spectators, leading to 85,000 visitor nights and a boost of $20 million into the local Queensland economy,” Mr Hart said.
There is no qualifying to enter the Pan Pacific Masters Games. The only criterion is meeting the minimum age, which for most sports is 30 years old.
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