Alice Springs Masters Games postponed to 2024 after ‘difficult decision’
A biennial multi-sports competition, which typically brings thousands of competitors to the Red Centre, has been postponed for a third time. Have your say in our exclusive readers’ poll.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Criticism has been levelled at the NT Government for cancelling the Alice Springs Masters Games as event organisers blamed a lack of staff as the final blow.
Major Events Minister Paul Kirby confirmed the ASMG would be postponed to 2024, putting an end to months of speculation.
The biennial games were slated to be held next October for the first time in five years.
The event has not run since 2018, with Covid-19 the reason behind the last two cancellations.
While the CLP said a lack of commitment by Labor was to blame, an event spokesman said most stakeholders voted to postpone the games for a third time.
“After careful consideration and continued close consultation with the Red Centre sporting community, ASMG 2023 has been rescheduled to 12-19 October, 2024,” a spokesman said.
“The difficult decision was made due to a number of reasons, including the capacity of some sports to take part.
“Like organisations and businesses around the country, many sports are experiencing severe staff and volunteer shortages.
“All the sports were consulted about this decision, through their sporting co-ordinators, and 88.5 per cent of sports preferred a 2024 Masters.
“Deferring the ASMG for 12 months will give the Alice Springs sporting community time to rebuild staff and volunteer numbers.”
The 2023 event was set to run immediately after the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide.
Braitling MLA and CLP major events spokesman Josh Burgoyne said Alice Springs was forgotten once again.
“The reality is Alice Springs is being left behind as other events are going on across the Northern Territory,” Mr Burgoyne said.
“It’s a real shame for sportspeople in Alice Springs.
“I have spoken to a number of sporting groups and I can understand their frustration around the lack of volunteers – there are a number of reasons including resourcing and lack of support.
“The government has basically forgotten about the Masters Games for years.”
Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley said there was “no reason” why the games should not run next year.
“This is yet another blow for the crime beleaguered, struggling outback town of Alice Springs,” Ms Lambley said.
“No other event in Australia has been more impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic than the Alice Springs Masters Games.
“I think it is reasonable for Alice Springs people to be doubtful if we will ever see the Alice Springs Masters Games again because of the way in which it has been devalued and dumped multiple times.”
Mr Kirby said the government was focusing on making the 2024 event “the best games yet’.
“A minimum number of sports and volunteers are needed for the Alice Springs Masters Games to be a meaningful experience for all concerned,” Mr Kirby said.
“We are now working on making that happen in 2024.”
Before Covid-19, the event had been held every two years since 1986.
The inaugural event was the first Masters Games in Australia.
Originally published as Alice Springs Masters Games postponed to 2024 after ‘difficult decision’
Darwin Salties quit NBL1 North over financial issues
The Darwin Salties are searching for a new competition to play in after withdrawing from the NBL1 North over financial disputes. Read what’s happened.
Man faces firearm, drug charges after gunshot heard on Darwin street
Loud bang leads to man being charged with recklessly endangering life | Man arrested after he allegedly punched a taxi driver in the back of the head. Read more Top End crime news.