It's kick-off time for the 2015 Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games.
An opening ceremony for the nine-day sporting spectacle was held at the Games Village in Springvale Park last night.
It's the 26th edition of the Games which this year has attracted more than 5000 competitors and supporters to Wanganui to compete in over 2000 events covering 55 sports.
A powhiri welcomed visitors into the Wild West-themed Games Village, where Mayor Annette Main told the crowd how much she enjoyed seeing the buzz as athletes representing the various sports marched in.
"Although it's not the Olympics, the sense of pride on people's faces is just the same," she said.
Hosting the Games every two years was a boon for the Wanganui region and its economy. "Let's not pretend that we just put this on for fun - over 5000 entries, that's really big for Wanganui," Ms Main said.
Judy Doyle, chief executive of Whanganui Events Trust, organisers of the 2015 Games, lights the torch. Photo/Stuart Munro
The Games were also about keeping people active and encouraging participation in sport.
"The Games are actually about people looking after themselves and helping people be dedicated to being fit."
The Games ambassador, Wanganui's former world lawn bowls silver and bronze medal winner Sean Johnson, said the event was all about "great sport, great mates and great memories".
He officially declared the Games open as Whanganui Events Trust chief executive Judy Doyle lit the torch. Competition gets under way today and continues until February 8, at venues around the city.