More than 1,500 competitors from as far afield as the Northern Territory and even New Zealand will arrive in Lismore today, with registrations for the 9th Lismore Workers Masters Games kicking off tonight.
Sportspeople ‘on the wrong side of 30’ will compete in 13 sports over the tournament, from 18-20 September, with the influx of visitors bringing a total of $1.5 million in economic stimulus.
‘This is a massive weekend for Lismore on many levels – it fills our pubs and clubs, shows off our world-class sporting facilities and demonstrates to all the competitors what a welcoming place Lismore is for anyone who comes to visit,’ Lismore City Council tourism and events manager Mitch Lowe said.
‘Some sports have been particularly popular with team sports including football (soccer), cricket, netball and softball all attracting more than 200 competitors each,’ Mr Lowe said.
‘When you think of all the organising and logistics to operate 13 sports competitions in unison, it really does take a small army to make the Masters Games happen.
‘We have a very strong sporting culture here in Lismore and our volunteers are so dedicated, committed and passionate about sports and Lismore being a sports hub.
‘Volunteers will begin work in our Masters Registration Centre from tonight and they will hardly draw breath until the event concludes on Sunday. Our heartfelt thanks goes to each and every one of them!’
The Masters Games Registration Centre opens at 5pm tonight, 16 September, at the Lismore Workers Club.
