The New Zealand Masters Games is all about sporting competition and having fun - but it also brings a huge boost to the Wanganui economy.
The Games, which end tomorrow, are estimated to have pumped more than $3 million into local businesses.
Although numbers are slightly down on previous years, the event has attracted 4540 competitors from 16 countries. With 1600 Wanganui athletes taking part, that means the city is hosting about 3000 people over the 10 days.
The last Games in Wanganui in 2013 produced more than 9500 bed nights, with the average visitor spending $330 each day. Two years ago that meant the city gained a direct economic impact from visiting participants of $3.15 million - and that is before multipliers are added.
Over $500,000 is spent on running the event and organisers say much of that goes into the tills of Wanganui businesses. The Games also provide a boost to local clubs with nearly $155,000 paid out for use of facilities.