Masters Games seeking 6000-plus competitors

Trevor Strong

The Wanganui Masters Games will be officially launched on Monday - with an aim to attract more than 6000 competitors.

Wanganui Events Trust chairman Trevor Strong said participation numbers at the last Masters Games in 2013 had been lower than previous ones.

"Last time we had 5800 and we're hoping to break the 6000-mark this time. The closer we can get to 7000 the better."

Mr Strong said the trust would advertise nationwide as well as working with the World Masters Games organisation to increase numbers. But there would also be a push to increase local participation.

Two new officials - including a new chief executive - will be announced at the launch on Monday evening at Cooks Gardens.

The new chief executive will replace Mike Cronin, and a new sports co-ordinator will also be announced.

Mr Strong said the chief executive role was high profile as he or she would be responsible for running the 2015 Games, Cooks Gardens and the Mountain to the Sea event.

The sports co-ordinator usually started the role just a couple of months before the Games opened - "But this year they are starting early so they can work to get the number of registrations up."

Registrations for the Games - to be held from January 30 to February 8 next year - will open after the launch.

Changes to the Masters Games in 2015 include an upgraded registration system, which includes registering via the official website. There will also be a new lay-out for the Games village at Springvale Park.

Mr Strong said there were 56 sports and games represented last time and that number was unlikely to change significantly for 2015.

Registrations for the Wanganui Masters Games open on Monday - visit www.nzmg.com for more information, or to register.