The 2016 Alice Springs Masters Games will be held from Saturday, October 8 to Saturday 15 October. The games have grown each year since its inception in 1986 and the shooting sports are always a highlight.
The SSAA Alice Springs Branch will be running seven days of Sporting Shooting events, including Muzzle Loading Rifle, Blackpowder Pistol, Western Action, Field Rifle & 3 Positional, Lever Action Rifle and more. One of the main organisers for these events is SSAA Alice Springs Secretary Wendy Kittle. “We are pretty much ready to go,” she said. “The range is in good shape and we are just waiting for the final numbers to finish off preparations”.
Other shooting disciplines on offer are four days of Clay Target events at the Alice Springs Clay Target Club, and five days of Pistol events at the Alice Springs Pistol Club.
The Masters Games are renowned not only for displays of good sportsmanship, but also friendship – they are, after all, ‘The Friendly Games’. “Everyone has a good time and they don’t care about the medals too much,” said Wendy. “It’s more about the camaraderie and seeing who else is around.” It’s also a good opportunity to try out a new discipline, with competitors in the past being happy to lend equipment to newcomers who are keen to give something new a shot.
There will also be entertainment and other social activities throughout the games, including Australian rock band Hunters & Collectors frontman Mark Seymour playing with Undertow at the closing ceremony. The opening ceremony and midweek party will also be the perfect time to meet other Masters Games athletes while celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the games.
As for accommodation, many athletes choose to camp out at the venue, with food and drink being available at the range during competition. Of course, the option to stay in a hotel is always there and it’s only a short trip to SSAA Alice Springs from the centre of town.
Registrations for this year’s Alice Springs Masters Games close on September 9, so register now if you’d like to take part. Included in the sign-up package is a t-shirt, hat, bag and other exclusive one-off items. Many people turn the games into a holiday and even compete in more than one sport. You only need to pay the ‘games fee’ once, making adding subsequent sports to your schedule an attractive option.