SYDNEY—Sydney's next big games event is expected to attract more than twice the number of athletes as the 2000 Olympics and plough millions into the state's economy.
A ceremony at the Opera House today set the countdown clock in motion for the 2009 World Masters Games, the largest multi-sport event in the world, to be held from October 10 to 18.
Open to anyone aged over 30, it will feature 28 sports, with most taking place at western Sydney venues.
The games are expected to attract more than 25,000 competitors from 100 countries and pump $60 million into NSW's economy.
NSW Tourism Minister Jodie McKay said the state and federal government had each donated $8.5 million to the event.
It was important Sydney followed on from July's World Youth Day, which attracted more than 120,000 Catholic pilgrims.
"Twelve months from now, we're expecting about 25,000 athletes and their families in Sydney ... we expect athletes to stay on average nine days (and) we hope they will get out to regional communities," Ms McKay said.
"There is no place in the world like Sydney for staging major sport events."
She said the games would not create transport problems for Sydney commuters.
"What we saw in World Youth Day is that the logistics can be managed by government," she said.
Federal Sports Minister Kate Ellis urged locals to get involved in the event, which carries the tag line "fit, fun and forever young".
"With more than half of Australia's adults now being either overweight or obese, the lead-up to the World Masters Games is a good opportunity for people to consider whether they are getting enough exercise," she said.
The games have two competition levels - elite and those wanting a bit of fun and to get fit.
Masters organising committee chairwoman Margy Osmond said surveys showed a large number of people had dreamed of competing at an Olympic venue.
"Well, next year in October is your big chance so get off the sofa and get fit," she said.
Tennis great Evonne Goolagong Cawley and four-time Olympic gold medallist Murray Rose were at today's launch, urging people to get involved.
Rose, who "swims Bondi" daily, said it was important for older people to keep active in the sports they loved when they were young.
"As you get older I think you sometimes have to challenge yourself a little bit and get outside of your comfort zone," he said.
For more information on the 2009 World Masters Games, or to register to compete or volunteer, visit www.2009worldmasters.com .
