Edmonton, AlbertaThe Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games reached a major milestone today, with more than 10,000 athletes now registered to participate in the Games this July.
“We’re very encouraged with the response we’ve seen so far, with more than a month and a half to go before the international registration deadline of April 22,” said Barry Anderson, Executive Director of the Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games.
In fact, Anderson said, registration for the Edmonton Games is well ahead of the previous World Masters Games in Melbourne, Australia in 2002 – the most successful Games to date with close to 25,000 participants. The Melbourne Games reached the 10,000-mark 12 weeks before the Games began; the Edmonton Games are still 20 weeks away.
Registration is going so well that organizers expect registration numbers will soon surpass the 11,400 competitors at the 1998 Portland, Oregon Games. Edmonton’s registration numbers are already larger than two previous World Masters Games – Toronto with 8305 athletes and Denmark with 5500 athletes.
Games organisers aim to attract more than 16,000 elite and recreational athletes from 100 countries, Anderson said. “We encourage everyone who hasn’t registered yet to sign up now and commit to attend.”
Athletes from 56 countries are registered to compete in the Games in Edmonton from July 22-31, with the greatest numbers of participants so far from Australia and the United States. With 27 sports, the most popular individual sports to date are athletics, swimming and golf. The most popular team sports are soccer, softball – fast-pitch and ice hockey.
“There is still room for more athletes in all sports, although some are filling up more quickly than others,” said Anderson. “We still have about three months to go before the last registration deadline, and registration is still going strong. We’re excited to be a part of such a successful and growing Masters movement.”
The North American registration deadline is May 20. Volunteers are still welcome. To register as an athlete or volunteer, visit the website at www.2005worldmasters.com or call (780) 822-2005.