The Masters Games were a concept which began in Toronto in 1985 in the form of the World Masters Games. Since then, there has been hundreds of Masters events which have given the world’s older athletes the opportunity to compete in sporting events.
While winning plays a part, the emphasis of Masters Games is on social interaction and a common philosophy of being active at any age.
Masters Games are a real incentive for older athletes to renew, maintain or commence their active participation in sport. They also give sporting organisations a focus to identify and recognise mature age participants and encourage involvement in mainstream sport.
But they go further than this. With people in their 70s, 80s, 80s and even 100s, they also serve as an inspiration to the wider community to participate in in sport. It is a well-known fact that being active helps people live longer, healthier lives.
Ruth Frith, 100-year-old, from Australia competes in the Women’s hammer throw at the World Masters Games at Sydney Olympic Park October 15, 2009. REUTERS/World Masters Games/Craig Golding/Handout
This is why we’re calling for the Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast, Australia, 4 to 15 April 2018 to include the first ever Commonwealth Masters Games.
According to one report, when the World Masters Games were staged in Melbourne in 2002, they attracted almost 25,000 competitors. This is more than double those who took part in the Sydney 2000 Olympics and five times more than those who competed in the 2006 Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne. When they were held in Sydney in 2009 they attracted a record 28,676 competitors.
“We are passionate about working in the interests of older people throughout the Commonwealth and reducing ageism in all its member states. Older people still get a raw deal in many parts of the world yet they have so much to offer to the resilience of civil societies,” says Andrew Larpent, CommonAge Chair.
Please help us grow our ‘young’ organisation by joining our call for the 2018 Commonwealth Games to include the first ever Commonwealth Masters Games.
You can support us on all social media with #cwmg2018.