WE MADE IT
 The sun has finally set on the 20th ACC NZ Masters Games (the 11th occasion in Wanganui). After 9 days of great competition in all 64 sports it was left to Mayor Michael Laws, Games Chairman Leigh Grant and Games ambassador Dick Tayler to thank the Event crew for delivering another fantastic Games week in idyllic summer weather conditions.
The 120+ volunteers that built and maintained the NZCT Games Village looked resplendent in their red uniforms throughout the week and were rightly credited with being the backbone of the fun and friendly atmosphere that the Games have become renowned for.
And the army of administrators, officials and helpers were congratulated on yet again delivering 64 top quality sporting events that formed an intricate web of activities over the 9 days.
Games Manager Mike Cronin also thanked the nearly 7000 strong participant field for their continued support of this enduring event and invited them to return for an even better event from
4 - 13 February 2011.
HAVE YOUR SAY
 We are keen to find out what you thought of the 2009 ACC NZ Masters Games in Wanganui. If you were one of the nearly 7000 fortunate ones that attended the Games this year you will have received an invitation to participate in our on-line survey.
Those who complete the survey have the opportunity to go into the draw to win the Nintendo Wii, as featured in the Life Lounge at the Games Village.
If you have not received the invitation yet, access to the survey is available on our website www.nzmg.com. The survey will take between 5-10 minutes to complete and closes on Wednesday 25 February 2009, so don’t delay, do it today!
LIFE AWARD RECIPIENTS
There were standing ovations for three inspirational Games participants at the opening ceremony on 30 January. Rose Jacob, from Hamilton, Richard Safey, from Wanganui, and Paul Forster, from Waikanae, were all acknowledged with the inaugural ACC NZ Masters Games Life Award. The recipients of this award are people who embody the spirit of the event, who show determination, a commitment to leading an active healthy lifestyle, and who clearly believe in getting the most out of life – at any age. It is anticipated that the award will be presented annually in both Wanganui and Dunedin. Congratulations to Rose, Richard, and Paul!
Rose Jacob
 Rose Jacob is the oldest female competitor in the 2009 ACC New Zealand Masters Games. The 94-year-old competed this year in the 100m sprint, 5km walk, and indoor rowing events. And picked up medals in the Athletics 100m – Gold,
5km Road Walk (90-94yrs) – Gold, Indoor Rowing (90-94yrs) - 2000m, 1000m, 500m, 300m lightweight – all Gold. This inspirational woman has competed in several previous Masters Games, and she visits the gym four days a week.
Richard Safey
 Richard Safey has overcome significant adversity to be taking part in any sporting event. Richard, who is from Wanganui, suffered major injuries in a head-on car crash 16 years ago and wasn’t expected to survive. But in his first Masters Games in 2001, he won two bronze medals in indoor rowing. This year’s event was his fifth Masters Games and he gained a creditable 4th place in the1000m Indoor Rowing 40-49yrs.
Paul Forster
 Paul Forster, from Waikanae, has a remarkable history of success at the Games. Now in his 50s, Paul has beaten many younger rivals to win both the 10km and half marathon races in the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 Games. And Paul continued his good form at these Games by winning Gold in both the 10km Run & Half Marathon Run (50-54yrs).
He also uses his vocation as a primary school teacher to teach the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to the next generation.
CHEERS VOLUNTEERS
 SPARC are proud to have supported the instigation of an award recognizing the quiet, unassuming yet hugely significant input of our volunteers into the delivery of the ACC NZ Masters Games. The inaugural recipients received their award at the closing ceremony of the 2009 ACC NZ Masters Games.
 Betty McDowell has been with the NZ Masters Games since its inception in 1987 and was appointed to the original organizing committee.
At that time she was also President of the Indoor Bowls Association. Betty retained a position on the Games committee for the next 3 years.
Once the Games were established, she then resigned and continued to be involved with the Games as co coordinator and volunteer for Indoor Bowls.
Betty has worked at every Game’s since and taken on just about every job during her 22 years association with NZMG.
Betty has watched the Games grow and is proud that Indoor bowls remains as one of the top participant sports.
Betty also gives her time generously to the Wanganui community as a:
- volunteer driver for the Cancer society.
- volunteer driver for meals on wheels
- Jubilee and Springvale stadiums committee member for 20 years
- Life member of the Wanganui Bowls Association
- Life member of the Castlecliff indoor bowls club
- and for the past 2 years has been coach of the Wanganui under 18 rep bowls team.
Betty has built up a large network of friends through her work in the community and says she loves every minute of it.
 Arch Roebuck had his first association with the NZ Masters Games as the Wanganui City Council Representative to the Games organising committee during its conception and he has remained involved with the Games ever since.
Arch fondly recalls his camaraderie among the many volunteers and in particular his good mate, the late Tom Green. Arch gets involved from set up to clean up and never leaves for home without telling a tale about the antics of his fellow volunteers over a beer or two.
Arch also tells of the great support he has enjoyed from his family and in particular his late wife. Arch is also a very keen rugby supporter and a highlight for Arch was during one of the Master’s Games when an “Island of Origin” Rugby game was held. Both sides were made up of ex All Blacks, with Colin Meads and Brian Lochore running the side line. 7 All Black captains played in that game and Arch has an autographed ball signed by all players.
Arch is a man of action and is the sort of bloke you can give a job to and know that it will get done, and get done without fuss.
His community service is also outstanding which is the measure of the man:
- Volunteer for Hospice
- 6 years as a Wanganui City Councilor
- JP since 1974
- 2 terms Wanganui Harbour Board member
- Trustee of Cooks gardens Trust Board
- 6 years Rotary
- Life member Pirates Rugby Club (55 years with that club)
- Wanganui Rugby Union Committee member
- Castlecliff Beach Society member
- Port Bowen Trust member
And when asked about all this involvement, Arch quietly tells you that he simply loves to get involved with people and the community.
Congratulations Arch Roebuck and Betty McDowell.
WHAT'S NEW
 Growing is all about innovation and the ACC NZ Masters Games is no exception to this. Among the highlights of this year’s event were three new innovations that proved to be big hits right from the start.
The Corporate Challenge was introduced for the first time at the ACC New Zealand Masters Games and participants are already talking about the 2011 event. 11 teams of between 6 - 10 members took part in a day of unusual, challenging and hilarious events that took in some of the iconic spots of Wanganui including the Riverfront boardwalk and Cooks Gardens. Congratulations to joint winners Strong Mechanical and Pacifika who after 7 events could not be separated on the points table.
Texas Hold’em poker and Salsa were also two new events at the Games in Wanganui, and both proved to be a big draw card (no pun intended) as they sorted out medal winners over two evenings in the entertainment marquee of the NZCT Games Village. Both sports look set to cement themselves at the Masters.
 With the Poker being the first sport of the 64 to `sell out` organisers are already contemplating how they can increase spots around the tables for 2011.
The pizzazz and flamboyance of salsa had the crowd enthralled, cheering and even laughing hysterically as the clever choreography entertained those packed into the huge marquee. Spectators will need to turn up early in 2011 to ensure a good seat.
SEE YOU IN 2010
Dunedin - 30 January - 7 February 2010
  With the Games torch passing to Dunedin Games manager Aaron Joy at the Wanganui closing ceremony on 8 February 2009, the spotlight now turns to the next ACC New Zealand Masters Games to be held in Dunedin from Saturday 30 January to Sunday 7 February 2010.
Entries are expected to open on Monday 6 July 2009 so watch out for your invitation to join us for a special 21st Birthday celebration of the Games in Dunedin.
 WORLD MASTERS GAMES 2009
10-18 October 2009
Are you ready to do your country proud?
Then register now for the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games for the chance to compete in style with one of 5 Ultimate Games Packs up for grabs.
Each prize pack includes:
* Your competitor registration fee
* Two exclusive Masters Ball tickets
* VIP access for two at the Games Opening Ceremony
* Fantastic Games Merchandise Pack
To enter, simply complete your Sydney 2009 World Masters Games registration by 16 March 2009. Visit the Games website to register or talk to the team at the New Zealand Masters Games Centre.
Sydney 2009 World Masters Games are also conducting information sessions in a city near you in March. So if you missed them at the NZMG then send them an email for information on the following events:
Auckland Information Session - Hobson and Fitzroy Rooms, Mercure Hotel, 8 Customs St, Auckland
on Monday 2 March at 7.00pm
Wellington Information Session - Kent and Devon Rooms, Mercure Hotel, 345 The Terrace, Wellington
on Tuesday 3 March at 6.30pm
Dunedin Information Session - Glenroy Room, Dunedin Centre, Harrop St, Dunedin
on Wednesday 4 March at 6.30pm
Christchurch Information Session - Mancan House Conference Centre,Cnr Cambridge Tce & Manchester St, Chch
on Thursday 5 March at 6.30pm
Register now at www.2009worldmasters.com
Terms and conditions apply. For all your travel arrangements visit our website and click on Travel Office.
 PAN PAC MASTERS GAMES 2010
November 2010
Fly to the Gold Coast next year for the Pan Pacific Masters Games
The 7th edition of the Pan Pacific Masters Games will be held on the Gold Coast in Australia in November next year. Join 10,000 other competitors across the 30-plus sports on the program.
Take advantage of the fantastic features of the Gold Coast. Fly direct into Gold Coast Airport. Enjoy the golden sands of the surf beaches, choose from a huge range of accommodation for all budgets, visit the exciting theme parks and relax at the great restaurants, bars and cafes of the Gold Coast.
Visit www.mastersgames.com.au
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