ON YOUR MARK, get set, go! It’s been months in the planning and now thousands of elite athletes – from fly fishers to clay target shooters – are set to descend on North-West Tasmania for the 16th Australian Masters Games.
Held every two years the games are being hosted in Tasmania for the first time since the event’s inception in 1987. More than 6000 participants will compete in 40-plus sports from October 21-28.
And Sassafras clay target shooter Ray Mason hopes to repeat the success he had at the very first games in Tasmania three decades ago.
The 89-year-old Masters Games veteran is a life member of the Mercy Clay Target Club and has won more than 20 medals. He hopes to take home medals from the two events he’s entered this year.
“I’m still competitive. That’s the only reason I’m going to shoot,” he said.
One of the oldest participants is 93-year-old Hobart sailor Ted Moule.
The English-born retiree will be part of a big fleet at the regatta, sailing his bright yellow Access 3.3 single-handed dinghy.
This will be Ted’s first Masters Games. “I’m looking forward to just being there, getting involved and the competition,” he said.
Also from Tasmania, 83-year-old lawn bowls legend John Jacobs will be hoping to pick up some bling. The fifth-generation Stanley man has played sport all his life and is still active in lawn bowls.
And from Riverside in Launceston, grandfather-of-seven Michael Booth will take on his first half marathon.
The 63-year-old has run 76 marathons, including one on every continent, but said the Tasmanian event will be extra special.
“It is fantastic for North West Tasmania to be hosting the games,” he said.
“This is our way of telling the rest of Australia that we’re here and showing off our beautiful island.”
As well as local competitors, the games will attract about 4000 interstate competitors and visitors.
From NSW, five-time Australian and three-time international canoe champion Ann Lloyd-Green hopes to inspire others of all ages and circumstances to lead a healthy and active lifestyle and to challenge themselves.
“I paddle with passion,” said the Devonport-born 68-year-old.
The games will be officially opened at the Devonport Food and Wine Festival at Roundhouse Park on October 21, heralding a week of sporting and social occasions.
“The games are a huge event for the region and this festival will be a great way to kick off the festivities,” said Australian Masters Games general manager Scott Wade.
“Having the whole community involved will add to the experience for the games participants.”
The opening celebration will see athletes parade down the main street as they make their way through to the heart of the festival.
Good luck to all competitors!
