Launch of the world's largest multi-event sport

MEDIA RELEASE
Sunday 1 March 2009

Auckland launch of the world's largest multi-event sport tomorrow

Auckland sports personality Susie Simcock will lead the call for Aucklanders to compete at the world's largest multi-sport event when the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Roadshow rolls into New Zealand's biggest city tomorrow.

A member of the boards of both the New Zealand Olympic Committee and the International Masters Games Association, Mrs Simcock will join Games Chief Executive Officer Shane O'Leary on stage during the Games Roadshow public information session at the Mercure Hotel Auckland in Customs Street.

Per capita, New Zealand has been the best represented non-host nation at each of the six previous Games, with just under 300 New Zealanders making the 25,000-kilometre round trip to compete at the 2005 Games in Edmonton, Canada.

Already nearly 500 New Zealanders have registered for the 2009 Games in Sydney, with organisers expecting that number to triple for the Games from 10-18 October.

Mr O'Leary, who will be visiting Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch with the Games Roadshow later this week, says that people need only meet their sport's minimum age, which ranges between 25 and 35, to take part in the Games.

"This October, thousands of everyday people will have extraordinary experiences at the world's largest multi-sport event. You can be one of them," Mr O'Leary said.

"It doesn't matter how good or how old you are. Everyone's invited to take part in this great festival of sport. The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games are all about being fit, fun and forever young. Don't miss out on your opportunity of a lifetime."

What: Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Roadshow

Where: Hobson and Fitzroy Rooms, Mercure Hotel Auckland, 8 Customs Street

When: 7.00pm, Monday 2 March 2009

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