NZ MASTERS GAMES MEDIA RELEASE 12 FEBRUARY 2012
Flame Extinguished At NZ Masters Games
In Dunedin tonight the NZ Masters Games flame was extinguished at the Games Village in the Forsyth Barr Stadium to mark
the closing of the Games. Over the last ten days 6000 competitors have given their all as they took part in one or more
of the 70 different sporting events staged at New Zealand’s largest multi-sport event.
Games Manager, Aaron Joy, who is parting company with the NZ Masters Games after being at the helm in Dunedin for nine
years, says the Masters Games is the most life affirming event he has ever had the privilege to be associated with and
while he believes it is time he moved on he will never forget the extraordinary vitality and spirit of those who come to
the Games.
“The Masters Games epitomises that old adage ‘you’re only as old as you feel’ or perhaps that should be ‘you’re only as
young as you feel’. This year we had 450 competitors over the age of 70.
“It provides a wonderful opportunity for sports lovers to take part competitively and socially even though they know
they will never perform as well as they once did when they were in their prime. I’ve seen people overcome incredible
adversity to go on and win Gold Medals at the Games. People take part to challenge themselves and are so supportive of
each other.
“I’ve watched the huge growth in popularity of Netball and Soccer to the point where, this year, 1500 of those competing
at the Games were either playing Netball or Soccer, making these tournaments the largest for their sports in New
Zealand.
“It’s really all about getting out there, having a go and having fun. For many, the muscles they strain the most are
their abdominal muscles from laughing too much. Definitely last night in the Games Village there was a lot of that
happening as competitors revelled in the live entertainment and relived their performances at the Games. It’s been
another great event with Dunedin once again showing what a superb host city it is.”
In 2013 the NZ Masters Games torch will make its way to Wanganui where the flame will once again burn for another ten
inspirational days.