Work like an Egyptian at Masters

Masters' Games build crew members Mark Wilson (left) and Stuart Milham got a few smiles with their costumes. Photograph by Bevan Conley.

When the venues are safe and everything is in the right place at the right time, some boys just want to have fun.

Masters' Games build crew members Mark Wilson and Stuart Milham thought so when they discovered a couple of Cleopatra head dresses in a props cupboard.

"We thought it would give people a few laughs if we wore them while we work said Mr Wilson."

The retired firefighter said he has been volunteering to help at the Masters' Games since 1989 and says he still enjoys the work.

"When I was working, I would sometimes take leave while the games were on but usually I could fit it around my shifts."

Mr Milham is employed by Whanganui Events Trust but says he usually puts in a few voluntary hours while the games are on because he enjoys it.

Between putting up fencing and making sure electrical cables are covered, the men say they get to meet lots of people and enjoy the camaraderie.

"I think the numbers of people competing are down a bit this year because some of them want to go to the World Masters' Games in April and they can't afford to take leave twice," said Mr Wilson.

An expected 25,000 participants from 100 countries will converge on Auckland for the world games beginning on April 21.