On the 13th of December 2023, the city of Perth, Australia, took center stage as the upcoming host city for the much-anticipated 2029 World Masters Games, following a press conference that captured the attention of sports enthusiasts and athletes around the globe.
The announcement, made in the vibrant city of Perth, sparked waves of excitement and anticipation as the next destination for Masters athletes. Attended by esteemed dignitaries including the WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Rita Saffioti, WA Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman and the federal Minister of Sport Anika Wells, the press conference radiated with an air of enthusiasm and optimism. It offered a glimpse into the fervent commitment and unwavering passion of the Australian authorities to embrace and champion the Masters movement in Australia. It signified not only the city’s readiness to welcome athletes from around the world but also its steadfast dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity, sportsmanship, healthy ageing and camaraderie on a global scale.
As Rita Saffioti articulated: “Securing a mass participation event like the World Masters Games is all part of our State’s events strategy and our overarching tourism strategy, and we know these events have proven to deliver huge benefits for the State’s economy and leaving a lasting social legacy.”
The federal Minister of Sport, Anika Wells said: “Sport should be for life and I want all people of all ages reaping the physical and mental health benefits that competition and physical activity provides. Participants will show us age is not a barrier, any more than gender or disability should be a barrier, to doing what you love. This is also another key event on the Green and Gold Runway for Brisbane 2032 because the Olympics and Paralympics is more than just just a showcase for elite talent, it’s an opportunity to create greater participation in sport across Australia.”
David Templeman added to that: “The World Masters Games offers community and participant social benefits by bringing together individuals globally through shared sporting interests, inclusive camaraderie, fostering cultural exchange, and providing platforms for connection, celebration and lasting friendships.”
The anticipation of bringing the Games back to Australia, a country where the Masters movement has taken deep roots, was palpable. The announcement carries with it the promise of an unparalleled experience for athletes and spectators alike. The city’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality are set to provide the perfect backdrop for Masters to unleash their inner athlete and create lasting memories.
The commitment to creating a magical atmosphere where participants can revel in the joy of sports, create lifelong friendships, and inspire each other to reach new heights was unmistakable. The Games are poised to invigorate the local economy, inspire the younger generation, and foster a sense of community pride and unity that reverberates far beyond the sporting arenas.
The IMGA is looking very much forward to working with Perth and Western Australia, in creating once again amazing Games in Australia.
