Downer New Zealand Masters Games open this weekend

Published on 01 February 2023

Downer New Zealand Masters Games media release

New Zealand's largest multi-sport event, the Masters Games, begins in Whanganui on Friday, 3 February.

More than 4000 people are participating this year, with a strong local contingent as well as more than a hundred visitors from overseas attending.

This is the 34th Masters Games, combining a mix of the more traditional favourites like football, netball and basketball with unusual new sports like pickleball and sport stacking. There is also a full entertainment programme with 10 nights of live music, DJs, and a quiz and comedy night planned at the Games Village at the Whanganui War Memorial Hall.

Games manager Heather Cox says participants from nine countries are coming to Whanganui to take part, including French Polynesia, the United States and Canada, to compete in 60 sports. Eight members of the organising committee from the upcoming Asia-Pacific Masters Games in Jeonbuk, Korea will also be in the city this weekend to take in some of the action.

“We are thrilled with the support from the Whanganui community and surrounding districts, with strong entries also coming from our neighbours in the Manawatu, Taranaki, and Wellington regions.

Heather says there is still plenty of opportunity for people to register and take part in a number of sports, with many sports extending their registration cut-off dates to allow more people to take part.

“We encourage participants to download our mobile app for easy access to sport results and to receive regular notifications and reminders about what is on at the Games Village each day.”

Supporter and one-night passes are also available to those keen to come and be part of the celebratory atmosphere at the Games Village.

The Masters Games officially kick off on Friday night with an opening ceremony at 6.30pm which will be MC’d by entertainer Frankie Stevens (pictured).