Will Hunter, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

More than 1000 competitors will be hoping to take home the chocolates from the Copper Coast 2024 SA Masters Games this Thursday to Sunday, April 11 to 14.

It is the third time in four years the Copper Coast has hosted the games, and venues across Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta will host a total 20 sports.

Pitting their skills against their peers in their gold medal quests, the athletes will compete in events ranging from basketball to radio-controlled boat racing.

The official opening ceremony is at the Copper Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Kadina, from 5pm on Friday and will offer participants a chance to mingle with their rivals before the bulk of the action kicks off over the weekend.

Masters Games chairperson Lynn Spurling said the weekend will be busy for the region, with athletes and their friends and families converging on the Copper Coast.

“It is going to be a great opportunity to welcome competitors who have participated in the past, as well as those who are new to the games,” Mrs Spurling said.

“The games will also serve as a chance to showcase our excellent sporting facilities and our community spirit.

“We could not do it without our community, our sporting clubs and our volunteers, who have been really helpful in putting together all our schedules and programs, and getting everything ready.

“It is a very social time, and people do come back because they love to play against people of their same abilities and ages, but there is also a competitive edge to it all.”

Mrs Spurling confirmed the programmed netball competition has had to be cancelled due to low registration numbers, which she said is a reflection of the Masters Games clashing with the opening round of the local netball season and other leagues around Australia.

Affected entrants have been offered the opportunity to take part in other sports over the weekend.

Copper Coast Council mayor Roslyn Talbot said she is impressed by the number of athletes who have registered to compete in the games.

“People are coming back time and time again, which is a testament to the wonderful facilities we have available on the Copper Coast,” Mrs Talbot said.

“The community works really hard to provide those facilities, so I love seeing them all being fully utilised; when you drive around and everything is full, it is such a spectacular sight.

“Even this whole week, there is a real positive vibe (around the region) and everyone is talking about it or looking forward to being involved.”

To see the full Masters Games schedule, visit www.visitcoppercoast.com.au/ samastersgames2024.

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 9 April 2024.