AMERICAS MASTERS GAMES OPENING CEREMONIES ANNOUNCEMENT
Americas Masters Games Vancouver 2016 – CELEBRATION ON JACK POOLE PLAZA SET TO WELCOME ATHLETES FOR 9 DAYS OF CELEBRATION
VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA – Be a part of history as Vancouver welcomes thousands of Masters-aged athletes to the first-ever Americas Masters Games, taking place August 26 to September 4. The Games’ organizers are thrilled with the progress of this inaugural sporting event, and look forward to hosting athletes competing in 24 sports at some of Vancouver’s most iconic venues and locations.
A celebration on Jack Poole Plaza (Celebration Site) will kick off the Games with the Opening Ceremonies on August 27. It is free to the public and will begin at 6 pm with a march of Masters athletes representing 30 different countries, and will include music, entertainment and speeches from local politicians, representatives from the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) in Switzerland, athletes, dignitaries and welcoming remarks from local First Nations elders. The Games will be officially declared open with a ceremonial lighting of the Cauldron.
“It will be fantastic to see our Masters athletes join the celebration on the plaza,” said Rob Newman, CEO of Sport BC. “Our team has been working very hard over the past two years preparing for this unique event and we are looking forward to hosting again.”
The Celebration Site will be open from August 28 until September 4. The public is free to enjoy complimentary yoga sessions daily at noon with the beautiful North Shore Mountains as a backdrop, beer gardens starting at 1 pm, as well as DJs spinning at 4 pm and local bands performing on stage at 7:30 pm. In addition, an Expo will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre from August 25 to 27. The Games’ Closing Ceremonies will take place from 3 pm to 5 pm on September 4.
Local venues featuring American Masters Games 2016 sporting events include Stanley Park, Kits Beach, Trillium Field, UBC, Empire Field and the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Registration is open until July 29; athletes are encouraged to act quickly to reserve their spot in BC sports history. Participants will each receive a welcome kit and gift, as well as numerous deals and offers from Vancouver’s restaurants, attractions, services and sporting events valued at over $400.
Go to www.americasmastersgames2016.com to register today.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAS MASTERS GAMES VANCOUVER
The Americas Masters Games promote an active and healthy lifestyle, encouraging participants aged 30 to 100+ to strive towards sporting success while having fun in the process. This inaugural version of the Americas Masters Games will take place from August 26 – September 4, 2016 in Vancouver, BC, Canada. For more information please visitwww.americasmastersgames2016.com
Schedule of Events
Expo August 25 noon – 8 pm
August 26 noon – 8 pm
August 27 9 am – 4 pm
Opening Ceremonies August 27 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Celebration Site August 28 – September 4 noon – 10 pm
Closing Ceremonies September 4 3 pm – 5 pm
List of Sports
Archery Karate
Athletics (Track & Field, Road Races) Lacrosse
Badminton Rugby
Baseball Soccer
Basketball (Indoor and Outdoor) Softball
Curling Squash
Cycling (Time Trial /Road Race/Hill Climb) Swimming
Field Hockey Table Tennis
Golf Tennis
Ice Hockey Triathlon
Judo Volleyball (Indoor and Beach)
Registration in multi-sport disciplines include all (up to 6 sports). Athletes can register for other sports outside their discipline at a discounted rate of $75 + taxes.
For media information, please contact:
Randy Clegg
Communications Director, Americas Masters Games Vancouver 2016
T: 604.647.7427
@AMgames2016