World Masters Games 2017: An Historic Sporting Event in New Zealand

World Masters Games which started in 1985 has no doubt played a significant role of encouraging 'sport-for-all' and serve as a platform for unity. 10 years after its establishment, the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) constituted to be the representative of masters sport worldwide and to promote lifelong competition, friendship and understand between mature sportspeople, regardless of age, gender, race, religion or sport status.

With more athletes than the Olympics, the World Masters Games is the single biggest multi-sport event on earth. Now in 2017, the event will come to Auckland New Zealand, a must-see destination renowned for its stunning natural diversity and vibrant social scene. As is often said, it’s not just the scenery New Zealand is famous for, it’s the people. And sport is part of New Zealanders DNA.

World Masters Games 2017 will be the largest event to be held in New Zealand in the next decade.  The Games will be held over a 10 day period from 21 to 30 April during which time  25,000 athletes will compete in 28 sports across 45 venues in Auckland, including two in the Waikato.

With the aim of support the Olympic movement and promote the ‘sport for all’ philosophy of the Olympic Charter, World Masters Games 2017 joined organisations around the world, yesterday, to support the second annual United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.


In 2012, the IMGA awarded the 2017 Games to Auckland, New Zealand.  The 2013 World Masters Games were held in Torino, Italy and in 2021, will be hosted by Kansai, Japan.

New Zealand will welcome tens of thousands of athletes from across the globe to compete in the world’s largest multi-sport event, measured in terms of participant numbers.

“The Games offers a unique opportunity for people to play sport – socially or competitively – in a festival atmosphere.  There are generally no qualification requirements other than the lower age limit set by the sport.  There are no national teams or national representatives.  Together athletes share a cultural and social experience while setting an example for peers and younger generations”,said, Ms Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive of World Masters Games 2017 Organising Committee.

“We believe the United Nations messages on this day - the power of sport to include everyone, regardless of abilities, to improve physical and mental health, to promote respect and dialogue and to advance gender equality – are truly in sync with our ethos and goals,” added Ms Wootten.

For more information about the World Masters Games 2017 visit
www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz