The 2010 Pan Pacific Masters Games wraps up, and Sunday was the day for farewells and celebrations. After two full weeks of registrations, draws, heats and results, sportstar.com reflects on what the Games have really been about.
Sport as a social network
To all the athletes and teams I’ve met at the Games, fun is the most important factor in competition. A shared passion however, is what draws these athletes towards their chosen sport. It is not uncommon for registered teams to have no previous training experience together. Swimming medleys and athletic relays are holiday hook-ups, while some dragon boats and netball teams would have only trained together once a year!
No qualifying games, no pre-game titles, no previous team records are necessary. Many of the other Pan Pacific sports teams in fact, are recruited as the games progress. It is in these casual teams and pairings that friendships are formed. Competitors today may very well become the gold winning team in two years’ time.
Champion impressions
Ten courts of clashing netball teams and colours compete for gold at the 2010 Pan Pacific Masters finals this weekend. When I asked the Mudgee Madcows how they trained for this event, captain Dotti was fresh off a 10k daily run. It is most impressive to see the competitive side in females in all age groups. There is dedication not only to the sport, but to health and fitness in general.
Champions teams like Dani and Mandi who play and condition regularly plus compete in social events on the weekend are an AAA classified women’s pairs beach volleyball team. Their coach trains them the way he trains their teenage sons and daughters – as competitive champions.
Inspirations and their support networks
Stories of 90 year old competitors and disabled athletes make for a truly inspiring competition. The challenge becomes not only that of physical ability, but mental focus and determination. The importance of support networks – like the families that cheer their masters athletes on, or the volunteers that ensure the Games’ success – allow our masters athletes this opportunity to socialise and compete, and they too deserve commendation.
Expectations of women
Qualifying for any event requires only that you are 30 and over – a running joke among the Aussie athletes. To female representatives from Papua New Guinnea however, doing sport at 50 is considered unusual and is almost a cultural stigma common among many non-Western cultures.
Female stereotypes at certain ages remain strong in many non-Western societies, and the Pan Pacific Masters Games is a positive means of altering traditional expectations of women.
The future
The turnout for the 2010 Games and its organisation from beginning to end will be considered a success. The future forsees more participation in the event and an increased awareness about the values behind Games like these. Be an active participant – start training as a masters athlete or a volunteer in the next Pan Pacific Masters Games 2012!
Karla
© 2010 sportstar.com
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