In the swing of the games

Volunteer Kim Harrison is recycling monitor at the New Zealand Masters Games Whanganui. PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY

Whanganui's Kim Harrison has volunteered at the Masters Games many times - but this year she's competing too.

Miss Harrison was at games HQ in the Whanganui War Memorial Centre forecourt on Sunday afternoon. A sprinkling of people were strolling and sitting in the sunshine, and many more were inside watching dancing.

Her job was to keep the area tidy and make sure people put their recyclables in the right bins. She has shifts every day of the games.

Volnteering is fun, she said.

"You get to meet friendly people. It's lovely."

But this year she wanted more, to challenge herself with the goal of getting fitter. She decided to compete in indoor rowing and has been getting up at 6.30am every morning for six months to train.

On Monday morning she's competing in the 500m, the 1000m and the 2000m, in the 30-plus age group.

She said she was nervous as well as excited about it.

"The adrenaline will probably kick in, and I love the atmosphere."