New look for 2019 New Zealand Masters Games

Published on 19 July 2018

19 July 2018

The countdown is on, Whanganui!

The 2019 New Zealand Masters Games, to be held in Whanganui from 1-10 February, were launched on Friday, 6 July, marking 30 weeks to the official games opening. The 2019 games will also mark the 30th anniversary of the event in New Zealand.

Held at Cooks Gardens Event Centre, the launch revealed the exciting new look for the Masters Games Village, which will be based at the War Memorial Centre.

The outdoor Games Village on the forecourt will include an entertainment stage and covered 200-seater mobile Nation Bar (www.facebook.com/nationbar), while the War Memorial Centre building will house registrations, merchandise, photography and the Games Expo. It will also be the base for the Games team over the ten days and will feature sports such as rock ‘n’ roll dancing and dance-sports.

Event manager Tasha Parker says the launch generated a lot of excitement about the February 2019 event.

“We’re confident next year’s outdoor set-up will create a fantastic festival-like atmosphere at the Games Village. As proud host city and birthplace of the New Zealand Masters Games, we’re planning to ensure Whanganui’s Masters Games are a huge success.”

A series of architect impressions of the Games Village, by Whanganui architect Sophie Ross, were shared with the audience, which included games supporters, Council staff and Councillors, community, sporting and business organisations.

Four Games Ambassadors were announced by Sport Whanganui chief executive Danny Jonas.

They are cycling legend Ron Cheatley, former netballer Cindy Hoskin, who has represented Whanganui in several sports, Whanganui-born 61-cap Silver Fern Jodi Brown and former All Black Glen Osborne.

Mr Jonas says the Whanganui sporting community plays an important role in the New Zealand Masters Games.

More than 45 individual sporting codes have been engaged for their input into delivering a successful event.

“There is a really positive buzz among the codes to be part of next year’s 30th anniversary of the games,” he says.

Early bird registrations will go live at 8.00am on Wednesday, 8 August – save the date!

More information at www.nzmg.com