Held biennially, the Port Pirie Pura Light Start Masters Games attract thousands of visitors to the region and is an innovative way of bringing together the community. The Games offer many different events for both social interaction and the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sporting programs.
Port Pirie is a regional Council located on the upper reaches of the Spencer Gulf in the Southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia. The area covers 1,761 square kilometres and has a population of 17,000 people.
Council’s Special Events Coordinator and Games Director, Jean Smith, initiated the first Masters Games in 2000. Being passionate about Masters Games and a cyclist herself, Jean though this event would not only bring the community together, but would provide great economic benefits to the region through attracting visitors.
“The most recent games in 2004 attracted around 1,700 athletes to the area,” she said. “When you take into account their partners and families, this translates to a lot of business for a small area.” Jean Smith said the economic benefits over the ten day period of the last games amounted to $4.8 million.
“A lot of competitors tend to compete in the games and then take a holiday,” she said. “Many continued onto the Flinders Rangers and other attractions within South Australia.” She said that the Port Pirie Games are for everyone – old to young. The oldest athlete to date was a 96 year old swimmer.
“When the games began, 75 per cent of competitors were from the Port Pirie region,” Jean Smith said. “This figure has now completely reversed, with many competitors coming from all over Australia, and even England.”
In 2004, Olympic swimmer, Kieran Perkins, was Ambassador for the games and will return in 2006 as the patron.
“Kieran’s presence in 2004 certainly added an air of excitement to the Games and those who were fortunate enough to meet and spend some time with him were richer for the experience,” said Port Pirie Mayor, Councillor Geoff Brock. “Port Pirie’s favourite son, Mark Bickley, is the face of the Games and Ambassador this year. Mark has brought recognition and pride to our city through his outstanding success with the Adelaide Football Club and has always been a true ambassador for Port Pirie.”
The fourth Port Pirie Pura Light Start Games will be held 1–9 April 2006 and will feature 33 sporting events, including individual and team based activities.
“The Games will have some 650 volunteers, and we will recruit a lot of school children in various capacities of work, such as medal presentation and catering,” Jean Smith said. “Council’s target is to have 1,700 to 2,000 competitors registered.
For further information contact Jean Smith on 1800 000 424.
