Editorial: Be a good sport and master the games

Mark Dawson

I thought I had come up with the perfect Chrsitmas gift as I browsed through an advance copy of From The Sea To The Mountain, a stunning evocation of the delights of the Whanganui region. I'll be sending a copy to my mum in Britain.

But then I read the story about Sue Watson whose Christmas presents for the family were entries to February's New Zealand Masters Games.

Now that really is a smart gift - no wrapping, no plastic, nothing to be discarded, unwanted and unappreciated. And it's beneficial ... an incentive to exercise, enjoy some healthy competition and be part of a big Whanganui event. (Okay, it's no good for my mum in Britain - she still gets the book).

Hopefully, plenty of folk will be following Sue's lead and giving a kick-start to the dormant muscles and under-utilised lungs of their nearest and dearest. And if you think that sounds like a neat way to get into the festive spirit, act now because the discount on Games registrations ends tomorrow.

The early bird fee of $65 allows you to enter as many events as you wish (though there may be additional fees from specific sports), but from Thursday morning, November 1, Games entry goes up to $95.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Masters Games, an event which it is estimated brings in more than $3 million to the local economy.

The combination of sporting endeavour, fun times and great friendships forged sees people from all over New Zealand roll up to take part.

The event has had its ups and downs, making a loss when it was last in Whanganui two years ago, but it has come under closer control from the district council and has a new company board, new trustees, a new sponsor and a new manager - and looks to be on course for a great success.

But, of course, it needs participants, and the more the merrier. Anyone over 30 can take part and (surprise, surprise) there is no upper age limit - a fact that has tempted me to lace up the soccer boots again, stretch those creaking joints and sign up. Why not give it a go?