Let the games begin...

Just finishing the packing for the trip down to Sydney. We're doing a show today and then the opening ceremony and race on Sunday, returning on Monday. Nervous, excited hoping that it was just cramp all along!!!



From the Sydney Morning Herald...

AND from all the lands on earth they come … Just under 9000 of them, in fact, from 95 countries, who are visitors to our fair city to compete in the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games, which begins competition today across

72 venues, aided by no fewer than 6000 volunteers.

Held every four years since Toronto in 1985, this year's version of the Masters Games, as the world's largest multi-sport event, with 28,000 other athletes across 28 sports, is twice the size of the Olympics.

But unlike in the Olympics, competitors are neither representing their countries, nor necessarily have to be outstanding in their sport, with a culture celebrating participation rather than winning, and the "Master" designation relying more on the fact that most athletes are over 35.

However, some are truly outstanding, and none more so than the mighty Ruth Frith, 100, from Brisbane, who has entered in the hammer throw, weight throw, shot put, discus and the throws pentathlon - and is the world record-holder in all those events for the over-100 age category. Still she is not the oldest competitor. Reg Trewin, 101, from Griffith, competing in the mixed pairs lawn bowls, has that honour. Meanwhile, Australia's son-in-law, Prince Frederik of Denmark, 41, is competing in the 35-plus class for tasar sailing, Beverly Waugh will demonstrate to the cricket twins Steve and Mark her outstanding skill with a squash ball and rugby's Phil Kearns will show us whether he is a better swimmer than he was a lineout thrower.

The Games continue for the next eight days and will bring an estimated $50 million into the NSW economy, with many competitors staying on for holidays after it is all over.