Australian Masters Games Now Officially Open

The 2022 Australian Masters Games officially opened on April 22 with a great deal of excitement as well as a few nerves for the week of festivities ahead.

These Masters Games, set to run from April 23 to 30, mark the return of major national mass participation events to Western Australia (WA).  There will more than 3,000 Masters Athletes competing in 30 sports.

The opening, hosted by MC David Berrie, was a great success with a moving welcome to country from Dr Richard Walley, as well as athlete and official’s oaths read by Masters legends Kay Terry and Betty Hislop.WA Deputy Premier, the Hon Roger Cook MLA officially declared the Games open, wishing luck to the competitors and expressing his excitement for large mass participation events resuming in Australia. Lord Mayor of Perth, Basil Zempilas, also welcomed all participants to Perth for the week-long festival of sport.

It is the first time that Western Australia has hosted this premier sporting event in almost 30 years.  Although sport is the main attraction, the social atmosphere of these Masters Games is also tipped to offer a much-needed boost to WA tourism and hospitality operators.

Acting Sport and Recreation Minister Don Punch stated, “It is incredibly exciting for WA’s world-class venues to welcome back major national mass participation events.

“The Games offer a fantastic opportunity for participants aged 30 and over to get off the couch and into the sporting arena – enabling everyday Australians to keep physically active regardless of their age.

“The Games showcase Perth’s ability to host a diverse range of sports and is a testament to our premier sporting facilities.

“I encourage Perth locals to check the Games’ schedule, get out and support the sports that are taking place in their community.”

Australian Tourism Minister Roger Cook, said “We’re thrilled this event is kicking off tonight, with the week-long Games supporting accommodation providers, restaurants and cafés, and other tourism businesses in Perth.”

“I encourage all those travelling from interstate to extend their stay and experience all our vibrant capital has to offer, or even venture out to the regions for a trip down to WA’s South-West or up to our incredible Coral Coast region.

“We know tourism businesses have been challenged by the global pandemic, especially in the Perth region, and drawcard events like this in WA will help our industry rebuild.”

For more information, visit https://australianmastersgames.com/