Individuals Honoured At ACC NZ Masters Games

30 January 2010

Inspirational Individuals Honoured At Opening of ACC NZ Masters Games

The opening ceremony of the ACC NZ Masters Games in Dunedin tonight, was a celebration of making the most of life no matter what your age. Following the traditional march past of athletes, four individuals were honoured with ACC New Zealand Masters Games Life Awards.

Dr Jan White, CEO of ACC, described the award recipients, Steve Prescott, Marinus Boon, Barbara White and Barry Van Gorp, as people who have shone during Games gone by, and who continue to inspire with their achievements.

She said, “The recipients of this award are individuals who embody the spirit of the games; who show determination, a commitment to leading an active healthy lifestyle, and who believe in getting the most out of life - at any age.

Steve Prescott is well known in Dunedin as the Manager of the Moana Pool. At the age of 40, Steve had a heart attack that proved to be a turning point in his life. It inspired him onto a path of physical activity that has brought him success at an international level. Steve has won five gold medals in the pool at the World Masters Games, breaking records each time. In total, he's won 17 medals at the World Games, for swimming events as well as triathlons.

Marinus Boon first joined a gym at the age of 54. He gave up smoking and took up weight training and credits his change of lifestyle to making him the healthy and happy man that he is today. At the age of 75 Marinus saw an advert for the Masters Games on TV and said to his wife "I can beat those people". He took up indoor rowing, registered for the Masters Games, and now holds nine world records. Marinus, now 81 years, will be competing again at this year's Games and is keen to improve on his times.

At 69 years old, Barbara White has competed in nine Masters Games in Dunedin, as well as three in Wanganui. This year, Barbara will be taking part in the 5km and 10km walks, as well as the half-marathon walk. She credits walking with "keeping her sane".

Barry van Gorp took up the role of Soccer Coordinator for the Masters Games when they first started in Dunedin in 1992. Back then; the soccer tournament attracted around 180 competitors. This year, the tournament will comprise more than 800 players - making it the largest ever soccer tournament at a New Zealand Masters Games. The dramatic growth in popularity of soccer at the Masters Games can largely be attributed to the determination and hard work of Barry, whose passion and commitment to the sport is set to continue for many more years.

In its 21st year, the Games have attracted more than 6000 competitors competing in 71 activities. This year’s Games Ambassadors are Sir Colin Meads, and Dick Tayler.

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