Fin Hansen, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
SA Masters Games is set to return to the Copper Coast in 2024.
It will be the third time the Copper Coast has hosted the event in four years and the first time in SA Masters Games history a region has hosted in back-to-back years.
Sport SA CEO Leah Cassidy said Copper Coast’s efforts in hosting the 2021 and 2023 games (held from Thursday to Sunday, April 20-23) contributed to the decision.
“One of the major benefits in holding the games on the Copper Coast is the ability to utilise facilities across the three towns (Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta),” Ms Cassidy said.
“I’ve heard some positive feedback about people getting out and exploring the whole area.
“The local tourism and events team really stepped up their communications and marketing this year — I think all participants were clear in where they had to go.
“I encourage everyone to come back next year to enjoy the friendly rivalry and friendships which can be made.”
Copper Coast Masters Games chairperson Lynn Spurling said the region’s excellent sporting facilities were one of the reasons it was selected again.
“We’re in close proximity to Adelaide and other regions and there is so much for competitors to see and do while they’re here,” Mrs Spurling said.
“We would love to see participant numbers surpass the record (1651 in 2021), as well as the return of some sports which didn’t go ahead this year.
“South Australia was spoilt for choice with events like AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf over the past month, which affected our numbers.
“It’s now about assessing what worked and what we need to do better next year to deliver another great experience.”
Copper Coast Council mayor Roslyn Talbot said she heard many athletes mention they would return in 2024.
“Our games are so successful because of the wonderful volunteers who coordinate the sports, welcome and direct the visitors and assist our great staff in preparation for the (competitors) arrival,” Mrs Talbot said.
“(However), I am really afraid of fatigue for our volunteers who are so necessary to help make the Copper Coast what it is.
“We will continue to showcase the Copper Coast but perhaps we need to be creative to have a variety of events.”
The Copper Coast 2024 SA Masters Games have been scheduled for April 11-14.
Magnificent Masters showcase their skills
More than 1000 experienced athletes flocked to the Copper Coast for the region’s second Masters Games in three years from Thursday to Sunday, April 20-23.
Participants competed in more than 20 sports ranging from basketball and cricket, to radio controlled boats and equestrian throughout Kadina, Wallaroo, Moonta and Port Pirie.
Despite falling short of Copper Coast’s record setting 2021 games, which drew 1651 participants to the region, the 2023 total of 1088 still surpassed several recent events.
Proceedings kicked off with the Masters Mile finish at the Kadina oval, followed by an opening ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
Christopher McKinnon, who hails from Strathdownie in Victoria, was the first to cross the finish line.
“My knee was giving me some trouble in the lead up (to the run) but my body felt pretty good and I was happy to get the win,” the 58 year old said.
“I’ve won between 600 to 700 medals across SA and Australian Masters Games.
“My favourite part about the Masters is keeping fit, meeting new people and seeing some of the same faces come back every year.”
Opening the games, Copper Coast Council mayor Roslyn Talbot said the weekend highlighted why the Copper Coast was a wonderful place to live and visit.
“Sport has so many benefits physically and mentally, but the thing I most enjoy about it is the connections people make,” Mrs Talbot said.
“It was great to see some fierce competition displayed… the athletes never seem to lose their competitive streak.
“The efforts of the participants and volunteers have been nothing but impressive.
“I hope we were able to showcase our first-class sporting facilities during what was another hugely successful Masters Games.”
Games ambassador Sam Jacobs thanked council for inviting him to take on his new role.
“I jumped at the opportunity (to become ambassador) because sport has been my life for as long as I can remember,” Mr Jacobs said.
“I’ve spent a lot of time playing on grounds across the country and you’d struggle to find better regional facilities in Australia than what there is on the Copper Coast.
“Well done to everyone for putting their hand up to have a go over the weekend.”
Sport SA president Michael Wright said the 2023 games proved why the Copper Coast was great at hosting such events.
“Masters athletes are role models for our sporting community,” Mr Wright said.
“If we can help get more young people participating in sports on a regular basis then this has been a success.”
The Masters dragon boat competition is set to be contested at the Wallaroo marina, this Saturday, April 29, due to a clash with a national event last weekend.
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 26 April 2023.
