New Zealand Masters Games End in Dunedin   9 Feb 2016

New Zealand Masters Games End in Dunedin

The Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games’ flame was extinguished at the Games Village in Dunedin tonight bringing to an end the 27th New Zealand Masters Games which saw 4500 competitors competing in 60 plus events over the last nine days.

Games Ambassador, Alison Shanks, who, during the Games had the honour of presenting a gold medal to her 86 yr old grandfather for golf, says that what stands out from her week at the Games has been the fun & infectious smiles!

“Across all the sports there has been plenty of huffing & puffing, sweat & high 5's! There have been personal goals achieved, & many treasured medals won. I’ve seen stunning team dress ups and everywhere there has been so much enjoyment from just being a part of this fantastic sporting spectacle. The Masters Games has demonstrated the power of sport & the Olympic values that I know so well, of Respect, Enjoyment & Excellence, have really shone throughout the week. “

Games Manager, Vicki Kestila, says the Games rolled out smoothly and have proved once again to be a wonderful sporting and social event.

“Dunedin has done it again, poured on the hospitality, brought out the sunshine and hosted the country’s largest multi-sport event –it’s the total package. Not everyone goes home with a medal but no one leaves without wonderful memories.”

While competitor numbers were down a thousand on 2014, Vicki Kestila is optimistic that Dunedin’s event in 2018 will receive a charge in the arm as a spinoff from the World Masters Games being held in Auckland next year.

“Once the publicity and hype kicks in for the World Masters I’m sure we will see benefits from it with the pool of people interested in competing at the NZ Masters Games increasing. Once new competitors get a taste of the whole Games experience I’m sure they’ll want more and Dunedin can and will provide that.”

Dunedin has the rights to the Games for the next ten years.

In 2017 the NZ Masters Games torch will make its way to Wanganui where the flame will once again burn for another nine days of sporting inspiration and friendship.

ENDS

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