Sporting prowess, camaraderie, and friendships were on show this week as thousands of people from across the NT, interstate and overseas participated in the 18th Alice Springs Masters Games.
Returning after a six-year break, the Games saw 1240 registered participants test their mettle in 23 sports. Supporting competitors were 267 volunteers, dozens of sports coordinators and sports medicine trainers across 26 venues.
Sports ranged from cycling, athletics, model aircraft flying, Aussie 9’s and netball.
The week kicked off with a high-energy Opening Ceremony on Saturday 12 October at TIO Traeger Park, which was attended by Games Ambassador Nathan Buckley and Games Patron Dawn Fraser.
Multiple records were broken throughout the eight days of competition with Debbie Page smashing the over 65 age group 5km Road Walk with a new ASMG record of 33.02 mins beating the old record of 38 minutes held by Anne Marshal from 2002.
Debbie also broke the 10km Road Walk ASMG record with a time of 1:07:37 previously held by Ruth Garden with a time of 1:23 from 2017. This makes her 10km walk the third fastest time nationally for the over 65 age group. She competed in a total of 15 events.
In cycling, local rider Marcel Angles, 34, rode the 500m from a standing start in an ASMG record time of 36.84 seconds for an average speed of 48.8 km/hr.
The Games concluded with Closing Celebrations at Lasseters Centre of Entertainment featuring iconic Australian band Pseudo Echo, supported by The Wanted Gems.
The ASMG began in 1986 and is the second oldest Masters Games in the world. The Games provide a fun and inclusive sporting competition but also an opportunity to explore the stunning Red Centre from the rich history in Alice Springs to the stunning MacDonnell Ranges.
The event is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company on behalf of Northern Territory Government.
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox:
“The region embraced the Alice Springs Masters Games, from competing, spectating, and volunteering. This community support is what makes the Games so special for locals, and visitors who have travelled to be a part of the Games.
“The Games have attracted participants from interstate and even a handful of international competitors, which plays an important role in boosting the local economy as they stay, explore, and experience all the Red Centre has to offer.”
