South Australia has secured the rights to host the 2023 Australian Masters Games (AMG), an eight-day sporting festival that is expected to inject more than $12 million into the state’s economy.
More than 70 venues across the state will be used for around 45 sports and 9,000 athletes, which will provide boost to local businesses.
The AMG is Australia’s largest multi-sport participation event. South Australia has hosted the event seven times since 1989. The state government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission, was the major sponsor of the 2019 games.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the event had previously delivered strong outcomes for South Australia, with the 2019 games delivering a $11.9 million in economic benefit to the state and attracting thousands of competitors from across the globe.
“This is yet another event which will put our state on the map globally and showcase everything South Australia has to offer,” he said.
“The games will also provide a much-needed boost to local businesses, injecting millions into the economy and bolstering our recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic.
“Almost 70 per cent of attendees at the 2019 AMG were from interstate and overseas, with competitors coming from all states and territories.
“We also had participants from 25 countries, and while it is a couple of years away, we’d be hoping that we can still attract visitors from overseas.”
The AMG provides a sports competition and social interaction for people over the age of 30. It is open to anyone who meets the age requirements of their chosen sport.
The event does not impose qualifying standards, with the aim of encouraging lifelong participation in sport.
In addition to an extensive sporting schedule, the games’ program also includes a variety of social events, providing a festival-style atmosphere for both competitors and visitors.
“We know the participants come here for the enjoyment of competing, playing a team sport or aiming for a PB in their chosen sport, but they equally like to get out and explore our laneway bars, wineries, restaurants, and the great outdoors,” Marshall said.
Rob Bradley, president of the AMG’s event owner, the Confederation of Australian Sport, said he was delighted to have Adelaide host the 2023 games.
“South Australia has hosted the AMG more times than any other state, and is arguably the spiritual home of Masters sport in our nation,” he said.
Featured image source: South Australian Tourism Commission
