The Masters Games are back and are set to be bigger and better than last year's, says the event co-ordinator for the Taranaki games, Jacqui Wood.
The games run from March 13-16 and will again be centered in Stratford. Jacqui says that, thanks to the Taranaki Electricity Trust's continued support for the games, the games continue to grow and offer a fantastic experience for participants and spectators alike.
Entries to the various events are open and Jacqui says that anyone who has registered before February 14 will go into the draw to win a $2000 travel voucher courtesy of House of Travel, New Plymouth. The closing date for entries is March 4, at which point, all entries will be entered into a second draw to win a voucher for two to "ride the rails" with Forgotten World Adventures.
"These games are not just for the older generations," says Jacqui, who points out that each sport has its own age policy.
"You only have to be 20-years-old to be a master swimmer for example."
There are two new sports included in the event this year, kayaking in Waitara and Triathlon or Duathlon in New Plymouth, as well as all the tried and tested favourites. With the diverse range of sports available, from croquet to pistol shooting, swimming to volleyball, dog agility through to Texas hold'em poker, "there certainly is something for everyone", Jacqui adds.
Brian Jeffares, chairman of Taranaki Electricity Trust, says that the positive comments from the organisers of the Oceania Hockey tournament, held in Stratford last year, show that "a small but dedicated community can organise big events". He says the same is true of the Masters Games and encourages everyone to get involved in any way they can.
Jacqui says that many of the sports involved in the games have seen an increase in their numbers. She gives the example of netball, saying that last year they had 100 more entries than the year before.
If you want to find out more about the Masters Games in Taranaki, visit www.taranakielectricitytrust.co.nz or call into the Stratford Press office and collect one of the Masters Games booklets.