Flame Extinguished At NZ Masters Games

NZ MASTERS GAMES MEDIA RELEASE 12 FEBRUARY 2012

Flame Extinguished At NZ Masters Games

In Dunedin tonight the NZ Masters Games flame was extinguished at the Games Village in the Forsyth Barr Stadium to mark the closing of the Games. Over the last ten days 6000 competitors have given their all as they took part in one or more of the 70 different sporting events staged at New Zealand’s largest multi-sport event.

Games Manager, Aaron Joy, who is parting company with the NZ Masters Games after being at the helm in Dunedin for nine years, says the Masters Games is the most life affirming event he has ever had the privilege to be associated with and while he believes it is time he moved on he will never forget the extraordinary vitality and spirit of those who come to the Games.

“The Masters Games epitomises that old adage ‘you’re only as old as you feel’ or perhaps that should be ‘you’re only as young as you feel’. This year we had 450 competitors over the age of 70.

“It provides a wonderful opportunity for sports lovers to take part competitively and socially even though they know they will never perform as well as they once did when they were in their prime. I’ve seen people overcome incredible adversity to go on and win Gold Medals at the Games. People take part to challenge themselves and are so supportive of each other.

“I’ve watched the huge growth in popularity of Netball and Soccer to the point where, this year, 1500 of those competing at the Games were either playing Netball or Soccer, making these tournaments the largest for their sports in New Zealand.

“It’s really all about getting out there, having a go and having fun. For many, the muscles they strain the most are their abdominal muscles from laughing too much. Definitely last night in the Games Village there was a lot of that happening as competitors revelled in the live entertainment and relived their performances at the Games. It’s been another great event with Dunedin once again showing what a superb host city it is.”

In 2013 the NZ Masters Games torch will make its way to Wanganui where the flame will once again burn for another ten inspirational days.

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