Locals taking part in the World Masters Games are having fun and bringing home the medals. Here is a selection of the ones that Hibiscus Matters heard from last week.
Gavin Clark of Stanmore Bay could well develop neck strain, such is the weight of the medals he won with his team in Outrigger Canoe/Waka Ama paddling. Gavin competed in the 50s age category as part of Team Phoenix. The team won three gold medals, in various 500m races as well as two silvers (1000m and 500m) and a bronze in the Men’s Marathon.
The North Western Allies rugby team (30s age category) won all its games, some by massive margins, to make it into the finals. Pictured are three team members, from left, Rhys Finn of Stanmore Bay, Tavita Faamausili and Ken Wilson (both of Arkles Bay).
Hibiscus Matters’ graphic designer, Lorry McCarthy took part with her hockey team the Hibiscus Hawks. She described her time at the masters games, as exhausting but fun. The team played a total of six games.
Amanda Jones-Pritchard competed in the 40-44 age group with a Red Beach Surf Lifesaving team in several events, and showed she still has plenty left in the tank, winning the beach flags and beach sprint. The Red Beach canoe team won gold, and 1st overall but Amanda says she is most proud of the board relay team, which won a bronze medal. “It was a ridiculously long course, lots of competition in our age group and one of our girls had never done it before!” she says.
Grant Straker and his NZ Barbarians 50's team, came away with a silver medal after a week of great rugby.
Nicky Murden of Gulf Harbour pictured with her L&P (Lime & Pink) 45+ hockey team, won silver after a hard fought final.
Scott Curran came away from the World Masters games with two gold medals for lawn bowls, one of which in the mixed pairs 30-39.
George Pearce, (HM February 1) age 85, said he battled hard in the 5000m against a Russian competitor, only just missing out on the gold and getting the silver.
