6 octobre 2009 - World Masters Games international competitors arrive in Sydney

World Masters Games international competitors arrive in Sydney Sydney – 6 October 2009   The thousands of international Sydney 2009 World Masters Games competitors have started arriving for the world’s largest multi-sport event that begins on Saturday.   Sydney International Airport was a hive of activity as Games workforce, including Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Leary, greeted Games competitors from all around the globe as they touched down in the city ahead of the 10-18 October event.   “The Games have attracted a record 28,292 competitors from 95 countries, with international participants accounting for 30% of the entry,” Mr O’Leary said. “Thirteen overseas countries – Canada, New Zealand, America, Russia, the UK, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Finland, Sweden, South Africa, Papua New Guinea and Ukraine – have more than 100 of their residents registered as Games competitors. “Canadians, in particular, are wonderful supporters of the Games. More than 2,200 Canadians have signed up to compete at the Games and it was great to welcome many of them and their accompanying persons personally at the airport.”   Among the international Games competitors whom Mr O’Leary met today were 62-year-old golfer George Abernethy and his running/swimming wife, Ngaire, 50, who had travelled more than 14,000 kilometres from Brandon in Canada to Sydney. A retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, Mr Abernethy was diagnosed with two different types of cancer two years ago but, after a rocky struggle to regain health, he will be competing in the Games golf competition next week. “We’re really looking forward to the experience and festivities,” said Mrs Abernethy, who will compete in the athletics half marathon and open water swimming race in Sydney after Kiwi family members introduced her and her husband to the Games during their visit to Canada for the 2005 Games, which took place in Edmonton.   The highest profile international Games competitor is His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, who will arrive in Sydney in time for the Games Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium on Sunday and next week’s sailing competition.   The Games are projected to provide an economic benefit to the Sydney and the greater New South Wales economy of $50 million, with the Australian Government and the NSW Government contributing $8.5 million apiece towards the event.   Site officiel: www.2009worldmasters.com. Edité par Communication FITA