Alice Springs Masters Games come to a close

The 17th Alice Springs Masters Games has officially wrapped up, concluding an exceptional week of sportsmanship celebrating the best of Australia’s sporting culture.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss said the 2018 Alice Springs Masters Games was one of the best events yet in the game’s history, creating a fantastic boost to the local economy.

More than 3700 athletes, plus their friends and family converged on Alice Springs for good fun and some healthy competition.

A record 231 teams participated across 36 different sports – up from 205 at the last Games in 2016.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss said, “The atmosphere has been fantastic and it is clear to see why the Games are a highlight on so many social calendars.

“This year we welcomed new sports such as boxing, functional fitness and model aircraft flying. 

“A number of Alice Springs Master’s Games records fell this year, with new records set in Swimming and Athletics. Some of these records have stood for more than 20 years, even dating back to the first games in 1986.

Most impressive was 85 year old Charles Crowley, who competed in Athletics, winning 10 gold medals over the course of the 2018 Alice Springs Masters Games.

People from across the world converged on Alice Springs to compete in the Games from places as far away as England. The oldest competitor was Glad Gullock, 90, who competed in Athletics, and the youngest was Taylor Chalker, 25, who competed in Swimming.

The Closing Ceremony kicks-off this afternoon from 5pm with Thirsty Merc supported by BeeGees Rivival, Dr Elephant and Wolfpack Amadeus.

The 2020 Alice Springs Masters Games will take place on the 10 to 17 October 2020.