By Olivia Edwards
Over 13,000 athletes will converge on Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast and go for gold in their favourite sport at the 2016 Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games from 5 to 13 November. Featuring 44 sports played at world class venues and live nightly entertainment, there’s plenty to love about the biennial event.
Not only does the nine-day celebration of masters sport provide people aged 30 and above the opportunity to continue playing their beloved sport at a competitive level, it also offers a chance to experience new sports, develop rich friendships and explore one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations.
Taekwondo convenor Kate Eggar has been associated with the Games since its inception in 1998 as a competitor, official and sport convenor and said the event gives masters-aged athletes a platform to play sport in a fair, supportive and inclusive environment.
“The nature of having us ‘oldies’ in the event means that we have time to both concentrate on what we’re doing and to support one another,” Kate said.
“There’s this huge supportive atmosphere at the event with everyone cheering on everyone.
“Love the atmosphere! Love the people! Love the party!”
Event ambassador, four-time Gold Coast Airport Marathon winner and Australian running legend, Pat Carroll, showed off his athletic prowess in fitness challenge and indoor rowing in 2014 and said the event’s relaxed atmosphere has the ability to reignite people’s passion for sport.
“It was heaps of fun. Even though everybody strives to do their best there is a great fun atmosphere,” Pat said.
“It’s an exciting week of activity. It’s also a great opportunity to spend a week on the Gold Coast with friends.
“My advice is to stay for the entire week and enjoy the entertainment that is on offer each night.”
In the evenings, the Gold Coast suburb of Broadbeach becomes a bustling hive of activity and celebration with the Games Village located at the city’s premier entertainment destination, Jupiters Gold Coast.
Broadbeach Alliance CEO Jan McCormick said the event has a positive impact on the region and is highly regarded by local residents and businesses.
“Broadbeach fills with so many happy people who are all here to enjoy the experience of the Gold Coast but more importantly the camaraderie of other participants. It’s just a fun time,” she said.
“Most of the accommodation in Broadbeach is booked out and of course the bars, restaurants and shops receive a strong boost during the event.”
Four-time Australian Olympic basketball representative Ray Borner will travel from Victoria to play in the men’s 50+ basketball competition and said he was looking forward to celebrating with his teammates after each day’s play in Broadbeach.
“This will be my third Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games and every year we have a great time on and off the court,” Ray said.
“I think that it’s great to have a social hub were you’re able to interact with like minded people.”
The opportunity for athletes to engage with new and old friends from around the world has grown with more participants than ever travelling to the Gold Coast and taking part in the Games.
The diverse range of sports, stunning location and world-class organisation attracts thousands of athletes and supporters from outside of Queensland including countries such as Barbados, Japan, Switzerland and South Africa.
Four-time Olympian, event ambassador and Australia’s greatest female distance runner Benita Willis said this diverse range of sports and how it catered for all skill levels were her favourite aspects of the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games.
“I love how many different sports there are on offer – within teams or as individuals,” Benita said.
“There is something for everyone regardless of fitness level.
“There are so many options to participate, have fun and meet like-minded great people.”
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games will be held 5 – 13 November 2016 on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The world’s biggest and best biennial masters games will showcase competition in 44 team and individual sports and attract more than 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
The new scheme was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta whilst better in some elements but not important for us.
