Know before you go - AdventureSmart

The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Roadshow is coming to Wellington next week to inform locals how they can take part in the world's largest multi-sport event.

The Games Roadshow will stop off at Mercure Hotel Wellington on Tuesday 3 March for a public information session featuring local Masters competitors who will speak about the sports event that is open to everyone rather than just elite athletes.

Per capita, New Zealand has been the best represented non-host nation at each of the six previous Games, with nearly 300 New Zealanders making the 25,000-kilometre round trip to compete at the 2005 Games in Edmonton, Canada.

Already nearly 500 New Zealanders have registered for the 2009 Games in Sydney, with organisers expecting that number to triple for the 10-18 October sports event.

Shane O'Leary, the Chief Executive Officer of the Games who will be the headline speaker at the Games Roadshow, says that people need only meet their sport's minimum age, which ranges between 25 and 35, to take part in the Games.

"This October, thousands of everyday people will have extraordinary experiences at the world's largest multi-sport event. You can be one of them," Mr O'Leary said.

"It doesn't matter how good or how old you are. Everyone's invited to take part in this great festival of sport. The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games are all about being fit, fun and forever young. Don't miss out on your opportunity of a lifetime."

Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Roadshow

Where:
Kent and Devon Rooms
Mercure Hotel Wellington
345 The Terrace

When: 6.30pm, Tuesday 3 March 2009

About the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games - nine days, 28 sports, 72 venues

Open to everyone rather than just elite athletes, the World Masters Games are the world's largest multi-sport event, attracting more than double the number of competitors of the Olympics. Sydney will host the seventh Games from 10-18 October 2009. To enter the Games people need only meet their sport's minimum age, which ranges between 25 and 35. Games competitor and volunteer registrations are open now at www.2009worldmasters.com. The motto of the Games is fit, fun and forever young.