The 7th World Masters Games opens in Sydney on 10 October 2009 and Kiwi players will be well represented!!
The World Masters Games is the world's largest multisport event and has been held every four years since they began in Toronto, Canada in 1985. Kiwis have always had a strong Masters sport presence, with increasing numbers of baddie players competing in Brisbane (1994) Oregon, USA (1998) Melbourne (2002) and Edmonton, Canada (2005).
The largest travelling group is again organised by Kiwimasters Badminton, with main organizers being: Sue Smith (Ak) and Jim Mills and Linda Hood (Counties). Originally set up as a fundraising group in 1991, Kiwimasters, continues to promote the philosophy of - 'sport for life' - by providing opportunities for players to travel overseas together in friendship and competition.
The Sydney travelling group of 14 teams comprises a total of 126 players and supporters from Northland to Canterbury. Its been a huge logistical experience with the entire group being accommodated at Parramatta's Mantra Hotel, only a couple of train stops from the playing venue at Olympic Park, Homebush.
At close of registration on July 31st, there were a total of 28,292 competitors from 95 countries. (New Zealand has 1404 competitors, ranking it third behind Australia and Canada). The sport of Badminton has 853 competitor entries from 25 countries (NZ has 170 competitors, ranking it second behind Australia). Badminton opens with Teams Events on Saturday 10th October, followed by Individual Events in Open to C Grade.
We hope there will be plenty of medals coming our way!! Good luck all!!
There will be regular updates and results posted during the course of the Games
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