Master Games Victor Harbor

SPORT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

By Leah Cassidy, Sport SA CEO

AT Sport SA, we believe sport is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together and that belief is at the heart of the Navigate Asset Finance South Australian

Masters Games.

These Games are about much more than competition. They are about community, connection, and celebrating an active life at any age.

They showcase the very best of what sport gives us: improved health and wellbeing, friendships that last a lifetime, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the field of play.

For those outside the Masters community, the Games are a reminder that sport doesn’t have an expiry date.

Whether you’re returning to a sport you once loved, trying something new, or simply coming along to support family, friends or colleagues, the Masters Games welcome everyone.

They highlight how staying active strengthens not only our bodies, but our communities, and it’s not too late to join in.

2 Coral Street, Victor Harbor, SA 5211 8528 8400 sales@fleurieusun.com.au advertising@victorharbortimes.com.au www.fleurieusun.com.au victorharbortimes.com.au

To our athletes, coaches and officials; you are the heart of these Games. Your commitment, resilience and passion inspire others to stay active and connected.

You show that sport continues to challenge, reward and unite us at every stage of life.

And to our volunteers: thank you. Your generosity of time and spirit is what makes the Masters Games possible.

(Supplied)

You create the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that defines this event.

The Navigate Asset Finance South Australian Masters Games are a celebration of movement, friendship, and community pride.

I invite everyone to be part of itwhether as a participant, supporter or volunteer - and experience the power of sport to bring us together.

MINISTER’S WELCOME TO GAMES

The Hon. Rhiannon Pearce MP - Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing

IT’S a pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 South Australian Masters Games at Victor Harbor, one of our state’s most iconic coastal communities.

As Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, I am incredibly proud to support an event that celebrates participation, connection and lifelong involvement in sport.

I grew up in a regional community and, like many South Australians, sport was central to my life from a young age.

It shaped my friendships, kept me active, and taught me the value of teamwork and resilience.

Today, whether I’m playing netball, supporting my own children at their sporting commitments, or

visiting clubs across the state, I see firsthand the powerful role sport plays in bringing people together.

The Masters Games, supported by Navigate Asset Finance, send a strong message to the broader community that sport is for

everyone, at every stage of life.

It is also a great way to stay healthy, socially connected, and mentally strong.

The Masters Games will deliver lasting benefits to Victor Harbor through its support for local

businesses and showcasing everything the region has to offer.

To the athletes, thank you for showing what active living looks like in action.

Your enthusiasm and commitment are an inspiration to people of all ages.

To the coaches, officials and administrators: your leadership creates opportunities for people to participate, improve, and belong.

And to the volunteers: you are the backbone of this event.

Your generosity, warmth and dedication ensure the Masters Games are not only successful, but truly memorable.

I encourage everyone - participants, spectators and locals alike - to embrace the South Australian Masters Games and enjoy the sense of community they create.

FEEL YOUR BEST, DO YOUR BEST

By Ali Clarke

AS visitors and competitors prepare to arrive in Victor Harbor for the 2026 Navigate Asset Finance South Australian Masters Games, one question many people - not just athletes - ask themselves is: “What can I do to feel my best, enjoy the week, and stay active without discomfort?”

Whether you’re competing, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines, or simply enjoying the buzz rolling through town, the answer is the same: support that keeps your body moving well, makes every experience better.

That’s where PhysioXtra steps in. With decades of experience working with elite and community athletes, PhysioXtra is built on a simple belief: every body deserves to move well and feel strongwhether that’s to run faster, walk

During the Games, PhysioXtra Victor Harbor will become the dedicated treatment and recovery hub, providing accessible support for anyone who needs it. (Supplied)

the causeway without stiffness, keep up with the grandkids, or recover after a big weekend on your feet.

During the Games, PhysioXtra Victor Harbor will become the dedicated treatment and recovery hub.

That means accessible support for anyone who needs itfrom competitors fine-tuning performance to locals dealing with a sore back after a long day spectating.

If you want to stay comfortable and enjoy all the action, help is close at hand.

Nearby PhysioXtra Seaford and Hallett Cove will offer VIP access for athletes, making it easy to fit in a pre-event tune-up, a midweek check-in or a quick recovery session.

Across all six clinics, you’ll find state-of-the-art rehab spaces, Pilates studios, and specialised recovery rooms (at selected locations) designed to help you feel better, move easier, and get more out of your week - whether that’s performing, supporting, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

For Kath, an experienced PhysioXtra physiotherapist, caring for the community is at the heart of their work.

“Looking after your body isn’t just about avoiding injury - it’s about enjoying the things you love, wherever you’re at,” she said.

“When you understand your body, everything feels easiermovement, confidence, energy.”

She adds: “The Masters Games bring out this amazing spirit of joy and connection - and helping people feel good while they’re part of it is a privilege.”

So whether you’re aiming for a PB, walking between venues, volunteering all week, or just exploring Victor Harbor, PhysioXtra is here to help you enjoy every moment.

Find out more or book at physioxtra.com

WELCOME TO VICTOR HARBOR

By City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins

As Mayor, I am thrilled that Victor Harbor will host the 2026 South Australian Masters Games.

This is more than just a sporting event - it’s a celebration of community, connection and active living at every age.

We are expecting around 1500 athletes to take part, including 500 locals and 1000 visitors from across South Australia and interstate.

With family and supporters joining them, roughly 2300 people will be visiting our city.

Even with an average two-night stay, the Games are expected to inject over $830,000 into our local economy, benefiting accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, retailers and other businesses.

But the impact goes far beyond the numbers.

The Games are about participation, wellbeing and inclusion.

Local sporting clubs will play

a key role, welcoming visitors, showcasing facilities and strengthening volunteer networks.

Many clubs will leave the Games with new members, additional

revenue and lasting connections that continue long after the final whistle.

Community involvement will be at the heart of the event.

From volunteers and local businesses to public events like the Opening Ceremony and athlete parade, the Games will bring our streets to life and give residents moments to celebrate and be proud of their city.

Hosting the Masters Games aligns perfectly with our vision of healthy, connected and vibrant communities.

It’s an investment in Victor Harbor’s economy, profile and social fabric - and a chance to show visitors the very best of what our city has to offer.

We can’t wait to welcome athletes, supporters and visitors in 2026 and share in the excitement together.

By Ali Clarke

A SPIRIT OF PLACE

THERE’S something unmistakably South Australian about pairing a major celebration with a craft spirit that carries the character of its region.

That’s exactly what Prohibition Liquor Co. has created for the 2026 Navigate Asset Finance SA Masters Games - an inaugural, limited-release gin infused with botanicals from the Victor Harbor coastline.

True to Prohibition’s ethos of authentic small-batch craftsmanship and premium botanical ingredients, the gin reflects the brand’s devotion to quality that began with two Adelaide locals distilling out of a suburban garage before becoming one of the country’s most awarded craft distilleries.

But what sets this release apart is

Island - an iconic image that has defined the region for generations.

For Prohibition, the collaboration is less about commemoration and more about celebration - of community, history, and Victor Harbor itself.

“Working alongside local stakeholders, we’ve shaped a spirit that captures the flavour of the Fleurieu - the bright fruit and coastal botanicals speaks to Victor Harbor,” Prohibition Head Distiller and current Champion Distiller of the Year Hugh Lumsten said.

“There are Mount Compass strawberries, juniper, Murray River salt and coastal daisy bush as well as a few surprises.

they are.

its connection to place.

Each bottle features a collector’s edition label showcasing a historic photograph of the Victor Harbor horse-drawn tram crossing the 600-metre causeway to Granite

“It’s a fitting way to celebrate the 2026 Masters Games.”

The gin invites both athletes and locals to raise a glass to the region that makes the Games what

Scan the QR code to buy the gin online.

Whether sipped neat after a long day on the foreshore, mixed into a coastal G&T, or gifted as a keepsake of a historic year, this edition offers something meaningful beyond flavour: a sense of belonging to Victor Harbor’s story.

The Masters Games gin will be available exclusively through Prohibition Liquor Co. and selected event pop-ups - a chance to take home a bottle that blends heritage, craftsmanship and place in every pour.

Look out for SA Masters Games Gin being served at all your favourite Victor Harbor venues, at pop-up activations ,and gin tastings throughout the Games. It is also available at www. prohibitionliquor.co/products/samasters-games-gin

BACKING SA ATHLETES

NAVIGATE Asset Finance is proud to step in as the inaugural Naming Rights Sponsor of the SA Masters Games, a partnership built on shared values of community, connection, and active living.

The SA Masters Games have always been about more than medals.

They’re about showing up, having a go, reconnecting with old teammates, and being part of a community where every ability is welcomed.

For many participants, training isn’t a strict schedule - it’s grabbing a quick pickleball session after work, joining a social netball team, or dusting off the golf clubs for the first time in years.

Navigate Asset Finance works with the same people who turn up to these events: small-business owners, tradies, hospitality workers, teachers, health professionals, and families making smart choices about how to grow, improve or simplify their finances.

These are people juggling real life while still making time to be part of something bigger.

There’s the cafe owner who plays social soccer each Wednesday, not because a trophy is on the line, but because it’s a chance to unwind - while also deciding when to upgrade equipment without hurting cash flow.

There’s the transport operator who dragon boats on weekends, weighing up when to add a new vehicle before a busy season.

And then there are the many SA

The SA Masters Games have always been about more than medals.”

families navigating life’s milestones - upgrading the car, planning holidays, or restructuring finances

to make everyday life smoother.

Personal finance deserves the same level of clarity and care as

business decisions.

With access to more than 60 lenders and deep experience matching clients with the right funding partners, Navigate Asset Finance removes the stress from the finance process.

They manage the journey from application to settlement so their clients can stay focused on running their business - and living active, connected lives.

“As a local South Australian business, being involved in our community genuinely matters to us,” Ashley Murphy, of Navigate Asset Finance, said.

“The SA Masters Games brings together people who give their time and energy to something they care about, often alongside busy work and family lives.

“Becoming the inaugural naming rights sponsor is simply our way of supporting those individuals and standing beside South Australians as they pursue their goals, in sport, in business and in life.”

Because asset finance isn’t really about equipment - it’s about supporting steady, sustainable growth.

Just like the Navigate Asset Finance SA Masters Games: inclusive, community-driven and built on the belief that having a go is what truly counts.

MOVE TOGETHER IN MASTERS MILE

By Ali Clarke

WHAT if being part of the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Navigate Asset Finance South Australian Masters Games was as simple as showing up and moving together?

That’s exactly what the Masters Mile offers - a one-mile celebration that invites everyone to be part of the moment that launches the Games.

Held as part of the Opening Ceremony, the Masters Mile is not about winning. It’s about belonging.

It’s a shared experience designed for athletes, locals, families, friends and visitors - whether you’re competing in the Games or not.

You don’t need to be fast, and you don’t even need to run.

Walking, jogging, running or rolling - if you want to be part of the action, this is your invitation.

The course is iconic. Participants will head out from Victor Harbor along the causeway before looping back around Granite Island, surrounded by ocean views, energy, and community atmosphere.

It’s a mile that captures the spirit of the Games and the beauty of the region.

The Masters Mile will be delivered by Joe Stevens, the driving force behind Adelaide’s City-Bay Fun Run.

With decades of experience creating safe, inclusive mass-

It’s a mile that captures the spirit of the Games and the beauty of the region.

participation events, participants can be confident they are in expert hands.

Joe’s passion for events that welcome everyone makes him the perfect fit for this tradition.

“We want everyone out therelocals, visitors, first-timers and seasoned runners - so register, join in, and help us kick off the Games with the kind of fun and energy Victor Harbor is famous

for,” he said.

Registered participants will receive an officially recorded time and a Masters Mile medal - a keepsake marking their role in the Opening Ceremony.

But just as importantly, the Masters Mile remains open to anyone who wants to join in, cheer alongside friends, or simply feel part of something bigger.

The Masters Mile is a tradition for a reason. It sends a powerful message that the South Australian Masters Games belong to the whole community.

One mile. One moment. One chance to be part of the Opening Ceremony.

For more information and to register, visit www.sportsa.org. au/projects-and-events/2026masters-games/

C

aring

for South Australians for 80 years – St Louis Care.

St Louis Nursing Home provides luxury residential living for aged care, dignified and respectful, for those who can no longer stay in their home.

St Louis Home Care assisting the elderly who can remain at home with home and health service options. Making staying in your home achievable and more enjoyable

St Louis Homes are the first of their kind in Australia. These luxury, purpose built small homes are specifically designed for younger on-set dementia clients.

St Louis Allied Health delivering allied health services to your door locally and launching into regional SA for NDIS, aged care and insurance funded clients

HOMETOWN HERO TO HIT COURT

By Bevan Jones

Encounter Lakes resident and veteran netballer Clare Dingsdale is no stranger to the Masters Games and loves the social side of the games and the relationships that she has built over the years from being involved.

She is extra excited about her home town hosting the games for the first time and said that she was looking forward to playing netball against people her own age.

“Normally when I play netball I am competing against younger ones and I am one of the oldest out there, so it will be nice to play against and meet some more people around the same age,” Dingsdale said.

“I really love the social aspect of competing in the Masters Games and so I am really looking forward to these home games and building more connections.

“It will be so good for Victor Harbor and for the tourism for the town, with people coming from all over the state, and hopefully they’ll come back and visit again in the future.”

Dingsdale has played netball ever since she can remember and said it was a great way of keeping fit and making friends.

“I started playing netball in my childhood and it’s such a great sport for fitness and it keeps me in shape,” she said.

“I have competed in many Masters Games over the years with netball including the Pan Pacs in Queensland, World Masters Games in Sydney, and the Australiasian Games in Adelaide - but for the games to be in Victor Harbor will be extra special.

“I have had so much fun and so I

have been encouraging some of my younger team mates to come along and join in the fun and play together, and starting the process for them to compete.

“I have built lifelong friendships from playing netball over the years and that’s one of the most important parts of the game, in my opinion.”

By Bevan Jones

THE GLOBAL TRAILBLAZER

For many athletes, competing internationally is a lifelong dream, but for Viddy Jermacans, this dream has become a reality all through a decision to lose weight.

Jermacans is the president of SA Masters Athletics and will be competing at the inaugural Victor Harbor Masters Games.

It was the early 2000s when he discovered Masters athletics; he was weighing 112kg and looking for a way to reclaim his health.

Through dedication and hard work, he was able to get down to 76kg and fast forward to today, he has competed in several Masters Games in South Australia and around the country.

His running shoes have taken him around the globe, where he has competed in several different countries as part of World Masters Athletics competitions.

From Italy to the USA, Canada to South Korea, Brazil and Peru, Masters athletics has become his passport to the world. Jermacans said there were some travel memories that have really stood out.

“It is a huge buzz getting to go around the world and compete in a sport I love and get to connect with so many great people,” he said.

“Being able to go to the Machu Picchu and other places around South America like the Porto Alegre in Brazil was incredible.

Being able to go to the Machu Picchu and other places around South America like the Porto Alegre in Brazil was incredible.”

“As far as world travel goes that’s pretty hard to beat, and it’s definitely been different competing in different countries and having to acclimatise to the different weather.”

Jermacans got a taste of Victor Harbor last year when he was there for a weekend with friends and was

CLAIM YOUR FREE 7-DAY PASS

excited to come back again for the games.

“Each year, a group of us go away somewhere in the state and we have been to different locations around the Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula and other places,” he said.

“Last year, in October, there were about 30 of us that came to Victor Harbor and we had such a great time, so we are all very excited that it’s there this year.”

Jermacans said sprinting was his main specialty but he would also be competing in other events such as the discus, javelin, and shot put.

By Ali Clarke

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

FOR the first time in the event’s proud history, the South Australian Sport Awards will include a brandnew honour: Masters Athlete of the Year.

It’s a milestone moment that recognises the passion, commitment and enduring athleticism of South Australians who continue to compete, contribute and inspire well beyond their first sporting chapters.

Each year, the South Australian Sport Awards shine a spotlight on athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials, and events from across the state, celebrating achievement, community impact, and the people who keep sport thriving from grassroots to elite levels.

This new category acknowledges

Sport SA chief executive officer Leah Cassidy said the introduction of the Masters category was long overdue.

“Masters athletes bring something truly special to our sporting community,” Cassidy said.

“Their perseverance, passion, and love for their sport set a standard that younger athletes look up to.”

Adding Masters Athlete of the Year strengthens that commitment to recognising the full sporting journey.

Cassidy said this award reflected what sport in South Australia is truly about.

“Sport isn’t only about medals - it’s about connection, confidence, and contributing to the community,” she said.

the dedication of Masters athletespeople who prove that excellence in sport doesn’t have an age limit.

This year’s awards at the Arkaba Function Centre will include guest speaker, Olympic cyclist turned Chef de Mission Anna Meares OAM, who will also present the awards.

The South Australian Sport Awards already honour excellence across categories including Athlete of the Year, Community Impact, Diversity and Inclusion, Team Spirit, and Outstanding Contribution.

With more South Australians returning to participation through events like the Masters Games, Sport SA sees growing recognition of the role older athletes play in shaping sporting culture.

“Masters athletes embody all of that.”

From lifelong competitors to those rediscovering sport later in life, this award celebrates the athletes who show that passion doesn’t fade - it evolves.

If you want to nominate someone for the Sport SA Awards head to www.sportsa.org.au or email projects@sportsa.org.au

BRANDS SERVICES

■ Toyo ■ Pirelli

BF Goodrich

Continental

Hankook ■ Yokohama

Maxxis ■ Michelin ■ Falken ■ Kumho ■ Mickey Thompson

Goodyear/Dunlop

TOR HARBOR PROGRAM

MASTERS GAMES VICT

APRIL16-

TABLE TENNIS FUN FOR EVERYONE

By Bevan Jones

GREAT Southern Table Tennis Association player Chris Horwood is excited about the Masters Games being held in Victor Harbor for the first time.

While Mr Horwood was unsure whether he would compete at the games, he was looking forward to being involved with table tennis at the games in some way and said the location should lead to a good turnout.

“Victor Harbor is much closer to the city than Port Augusta where the games were last year, so I am expecting reasonable numbers,” he said.

“It is great for the town and region with the influx of people booking accommodation, supporting local businesses and great for tourism.”

“It will also be my first Masters Games that I will be involved in, and I am looking forward to watching other sports that are being played around the town and hope it’s a success and a pleasant experience for everyone that signs up and participates.”

Mr Horwood has been playing table tennis for six years and got into the sport through connections that he had made through playing tennis.

“It is very social and there’s a barbecue once a month, and I have built some good friendships over the years.

“There is quite an overlap with people playing tennis and table tennis so I have built strong connections from that as well.

He and fellow organisers Peter Wheatley and Vlado Stevanovic were keen welcome players from across SA.

“I am sure quite a lot of locals will enter, as well as people from Adelaide and around the state,” Mr Horwood said.

He said that he loved the social side of the sport and the fact that people of all age groups could play.

“We have a few people that play in our table tennis competition that are in the 90s and quite a few in their 80s as well - and I am in my 60s and no spring chicken myself - but it’s not as hard on your body as tennis, which is good,” he said.

“The other good thing about table tennis is that it can be played all year round and because it is inside, the weather outside doesn’t make a difference, which is great.”

For more information about the Masters Games, visit ww.sportsa.org.au/projects-andevents/2026-masters-games/

TENNIS RUNS IN BRYAN’S BLOOD

By Bevan Jones

FOR Back Valley resident Bryan

Littlely, tennis has always been part of the family and so he is excited to be involved in the sport at this year’s Masters Games and compete for the first time in his hometown.

Littlely is the president of the Great Southern Tennis Association and it will no doubt be a very busy weekend, as he will be juggling coordinating the tennis tournament as well as playing doubles on the Sunday.

With several of his family life members in the Back Valley Tennis Club, he said this year’s games would be special for a few reasons.

“I have competed in the Masters Games interstate before at Alice Springs in 2014 where I was involved in nine a side football and hockey, and that was very interesting as I hadn’t played in 25 years, but we managed to win a gold medal,” he said.

It is a bit of a family affair, so that is another reason why having the games at my home tennis club is special.”

“This will be my first South Australian Masters Games though, and it is extra special that it is in my hometown, so I am looking forward to it.

“I was born and bred in Back Valley and have played most of my tennis

here, other than when I have been away for work.

“Most of my family are life members of Back Valley Tennis Club as well and I have played a lot

of tennis with my dad.

“It is a bit of a family affair, so that is another reason why having the games at my home tennis club is special.

“I am quite pleased to also be heading up the tennis with Great Southern Tennis Association.

“My auntie Shirley was involved for many years in driving social tennis and keeping it alive and strong, and the fact that I am involved in being the coordinator of tennis for the Masters Games is a bit of a way of paying tribute and thanks to her for all her hard work.”

Littlely said Back Valley, Inman Valley, Port Elliot, and Victor Harbor were all working together and providing the volunteers and support to be able to host the tournament.

He said this would be a great opportunity for the clubs to raise funds, which was particularly important due to a need to upgrade their facilities and court surfaces.

HOCKEY RIVALS BECOME TEAMMATES

By Bevan Jones

WHEN the whistle blows for the hockey tournament at the South Australian Masters Games, it won’t just mark the start of another hockey match, it will also signal the beginning of a unique turnaround for participants at this year’s games.

Players from the Aldinga Bay Hockey Club, Yankalilla Hockey Club, Goolwa Hockey Club, and Victor Harbor Hockey Club are the fiercest of rivals during the regular season.

Things will be different at the inaugural Victor Harbor Masters Games, when the foes that play against each other in the South Coast Hockey Association become teammates as they combine to chase team success at the games.

Victor Harbor Hockey Club vice president and women’s player

been to the Masters Games on several occasions.

Ms Richter said building social connections was something she really enjoyed about the games.

“It is great fun to play with women that I play against during the season and it makes it more interesting, and it is a great opportunity to catch up and build a social connection,” she said.

“The Masters Games is something I try to do for myself each year; it is a great time to get away with friends for a few days and there’s a group of us that try and make sure we are available.

good warm up to the main season.

“We travel up to Moonta and Kadina to play in competitions once a year and they will be coming over here for the games, so I look forward to catching up with them - and apparently there is a team from Victoria playing as well, which is exciting.”

Ms Richter said her dad was a big reason for her getting into hockey originally.

“Dad was heavily involved at state and national level and I started playing in primary school,” she said.

Liz Richter has played hockey for more than 40 years and knows

firsthand what it is like, having

“When you are playing with different players to the normal season. you must adapt to how others play and it is really good fun.

“Our season also starts not long after the Masters Games so it is a

“I loved it and tried other sports but found that it was the sport I loved the most, and I haven’t stop playing.”

To find out more about this year’s Masters Games in Victor Harbor, visit www.sportsa.org.au/projectsand-events/2026-masters-games

EXCITING CLOSING CEREMONY

By Bevan Jones

THE 2026 SA Masters Games are set for an incredible climax with the Victor Harbor Golf Club winning council approval to enable them to host what promises to be an exciting closing ceremony.

Victor Harbor Golf Club general manager Steve Zangari said with the games being on during school holidays in SA it would be a great family friendly event to come along to and send the 2026 Masters Games out in style.

“Its incredibly exciting and we are honoured to be given the opportunity to host something like that and it’s probably something we have never done before,” he said.

“We are trying to connect with the community and the broader community and we really want to do everything we can to be

community citizens and includes supporting the council and local wineries as well.

“We are looking to make it a Langhorne Creek theme for the wineries so we have reached out to Lake Breeze, Bleesdale and Bremerton Wines and hopefully all three will be involved which would

be great.

“It’s open to not only Masters Games participants but the broader community as well and we want to showcase the quality of wine and produce available in the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“Being the middle of school

holidays there will also be a whole bunch of tourists in town as well as those here for the games so we’d love for them to join us.

“There will be different country cuisines as well as food stations scattered around and we will also have a live bands, DJ and it will be hosted inside and surrounding the clubhouse which will be great.”

The golf tournament of the SA Masters Games will consist of 36 holes over two days on the Friday and Sunday due to Saturday being a competition day for members.

Mr Zangari said the participants of the golf component of the games will be in spoilt as they will receive their medals during the closing ceremony which would hopefully mean there will be a big crowd on hand to cheer them on.

The closing ceremony will start at 5pm on Sunday, April 20.

SOFTBALL IS FOR ALL, FOR LIFE

By Dani Brown

AFTER one year without softball on the sport list at the SA Masters Games, Catherine Westren made it her personal mission to see it return in 2026.

Westren, who is the senior participation co-ordinator at Softball South Australia, said she was proud to have softball back in this year’s program.

“At the Australian Masters Games a couple of years ago in Adelaide, softball was the biggest sport,” she said.

“It’s slowly growing and it’s been a constant at every SA Masters Games except last year.

“I knew I had to make it happen so we didn’t lose it.”

At this year’s games, matches will be played at Encounter Bay Football Club with at least two diamonds set up on the oval.

Westren hopes there would be at least six teams across two women’s divisions and four teams in one men’s division.

“Registrations opened and we had quite a bit of interest - we even have a team coming from Geelong, called the All Stars,” she said.

Masters softball continues to grow in popularity every year.

“Masters is the fastest growing part of softball across Australia,” Westren said.

“People are having kids or working, then coming back to the sport later in life.”

She said the social side of the competition is a big drawcard, with players in opposing teams usually having a laugh and a chat - both on and off the diamond.

“It’s a good social competition, and they all get together for a meal afterwards,” she said.

Westren has been involved for some time now as a scorer and team manager, while her husband plays, and she said the atmosphere and the teams’ welcoming nature keeps drawing her back.

“There’s usually a spot for everyone on the field, and there are roles

off the field too, like scoring, team managing, or cheer squads,” she said.

“Nobody takes it too seriously.”

This is evident in the uniforms teams play in for the one weekend a year.

“Some teams play around with their uniforms, which is one of the fun factors,” she said.

“The Adelaide Mighty Ducks have

duck-themed gear all weekend.

“The Raptors, which is a club in Adelaide, have a raptor on their usual uniforms but at Masters, it’s a raptor skeleton.”

Westren said that the Masters Games was the greatest embodiment of Softball SA’s motto: ‘Softball - a game for all for life’.

“I love the fact that so many of them bring their children along,

who then get to see that you can continue sport well into your 30s and beyond,” she said.

“Also that there are so many players keen to start their Masters journey from aged 30 - there’s a ‘waiting list’ with people waiting until they’re age eligible.”

To find out more about this year’s Masters Games in Victor Harbor, visit www.sportsa.org.au/projectsand-events/2026-masters-games

By Jack Church

IAN IS RARING TO BOWL

When Ian Farrows returned from his second Masters Games in Port Augusta, he knew Victor Harbor had to host the event.

So, 18 months later and after a chat with the mayor, the games are here, and Ian is ecstatic.

“I’m very thrilled because I love our area and I knew what the last two Masters Games in Wallaroo and Port Augusta did for their local communities,” he said.

“Everything was booked out.”

Ian will be competing in the lawn bowls in the Masters Games, which will be held at Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay Bowling Clubs.

Ian has been playing bowls for 15 years, first at Happy Valley, where he was President, before moving to the Fleurieu Peninsula and joining the Encounter Bay Bowling Club.

“This club in particular is known as the ‘friendly club’,” Ian said.

“That’s what we’re known as and it is like a giant family.”

Aside from the competition, Ian loves introducing people to game of bowls and he has seen firsthand the social impact of the sport.

“At Happy Valley I worked with all the clubs, I was a delegate for the whole association in bringing people into bowling in their older age to meet people, get out of retirement villages, enjoy life and create friends,” Ian said.

“To me that’s what it is all about,

working with the community to improve the way of life.”

Ian is in top form with the bowl in hand, having just won the Club Championship at Encounter Bay for the second time.

With three bronze medals at previous Masters Games, he is now eyeing the top step of the podium.

“I’ve been lucky enough to come back with three bronze medals, it would be lovely to turn it into gold this year,” he said.

“To win a state masters title would be staggering, it’s a real thrill to compete.”

Ian is encouraging people to sign up for any sport in the Masters Games, and to make sure the whole town welcomes and watches what should be a brilliant competition.

“All I ask is that people come and watch any of the sports,” Ian said.

“Come and watch all of our local competitors and make the visitors feel welcome as well, because this is something that can set the community up for decades.”

The lawn bowls competition will run over four days, with 30 ends of bowling each day.

The games will be split between Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay Bowling Clubs.

CENTRE BUILDS ATHLETES’ LIFE SKILLS

By Ali Clarke

THE

Marjorie Jackson-Nelson

Centre for Women’s Sport: sounds great, but what does it do?

The MJN Centre was created to open more doors for women across every level of sport and is leading the way across Australia and around the world.

Developed and run by Sport SA, and supported by the South Australian Government, the Centre helps women build practical skills - like leadership, financial literacy, public speaking, and navigating sporting pathways - while also offering mentoring, career guidance, and education.

From understanding how to manage the costs of competition and training, to making confident decisions about sponsorship, career transitions, or running a club or program, women are given tools that genuinely strengthen both their sporting and everyday lives.

These “life skills” sit alongside the other technical and social learning

the Centre provides, helping participants feel more in control of their future.

Lauren Sibley, the Community Programs and Development Manager at Royal Life Saving South Australia, completed the program in 2024 and knows exactly what that support feels like.

A previous Australian Masters Games coordinator, she said it’s enhanced her leadership confidence and strategic thinking, and given her a sector-wide perspective on sport.

Lauren also values the genuine sense of connection she now has with women from different sports, ages and backgrounds who all came together to share their experiences in a way that felt encouraging and energising, rather than competitive.

“It’s strengthened my commitment

to advancing women’s leadership and representation across sport governance and administration and helped me build strong professional networks across sports and at many different levels,” she said.

“It provided access to senior leaders, board members, and executives, exposing me to pathways I previously saw as aspirational rather than attainable.”

The Centre carries the name of Olympic great and former Governor Marjorie Jackson Nelson, who praised the initiative for giving women the inspiration and guidance needed to aim high and achieve their goals.

Registrations for the MJN Centre are now open for 2027, so if you want to take part – or know someone who would benefit from this experience - go to www. sportsa.org.au

HOME SWEET HOME FOR HAMPEL

By Bevan Jones

FOR Victor Harbor resident and Great Southern Swimming Club

secretary and public officer Adam Hampel, there are a couple of big reasons why this year’s Masters Games means so much.

Firstly, the picturesque coastal town hosts the event for the first time, which is a milestone for the local community and a wonderful opportunity to highlight everything the region has to offer.

Secondly, it marks Hampel’s own debut at the Masters Games, where he will compete in the swimming, making the experience even more special.

Hampel grew up at Loxton in the Riverland and started swimming in his childhood, but decided to call it quits with other commitments taking over.

He moved to Adelaide to study at university, which ironically was where he met the love of his life, Louise, who was from Victor Harbor originally.

Hampel ended up moving to Victor Harbor with Louise and he has been working as a nurse at the South Coast District Hospital for 10 years.

They have four children together and, after having 15 years off from swimming, the passion returned when his children got involved in the sport.

He has now been doing competition swimming for the past two years, and he said he loves being back in the pool again.

“Like lots of others at our swimming club, I had a long spell, but it’s been great to get back to the sport I love again,” he said.

“I used to swim a lot when I was living at the Riverland and now that the kids are swimming, I thought I might as well get in the water while they do it - and the past couple of years I have been competing in carnivals as well, which has been great fun.

“Going away to carnivals and seeing the same faces all the time has been great and you build up some great relationships, and even though it’s an individual sport, everyone cheers each other on when we go away, so it’s a great culture.”

Hampel will be competing in freestyle and breaststroke, which he said were his favourite, and the longer distances suited him as well.

He said having the games in Victor Harbor and the pool just around the corner from home would be very handy.

He said it would be great for the local economy and hoped people would get a taste for the area and want to come back again for a holiday in the future.

The SA Masters Games take place from April 16-20.

For more details head to www. sportsa.org.au/projects-andevents/2026-masters-games/

“Going away to carnivals and seeing the same faces all the time has been great and you build up some great relationships, and even though it’s an individual sport, everyone cheers each other on when we go away, so it’s a great culture.”

LIFELONG BASKETBALL LOVE AFFAIR

By Bevan Jones

FOR Elliee Earl, basketball has never just been a sport - it’s been part of her story.

From the moment she could hold a basketball, she was hooked.

Ms Earl was encouraged by her dad Dennis, who is the president of the Great Southern Amateur Basketball Association, an administrator for the association for 23 years, and a basketball umpire for many years.

She is now following in her father’s footsteps and will be the basketball coordinator for this year’s Masters Games.

Ms Earl said that she was excited that the games were going to be in her hometown of Victor Harbor.

“It is a great opportunity for the association and great for everyone in the state, and it gives everyone the opportunity to come down and enjoy what Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula has to offer,” she said.

“It will also be fantastic for all the pubs and accommodation providers and for tourism around Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“It will also be a good experience for our referees and particularly the young ones to umpire some good quality basketball at

the games.

“If there are kids around the place that want to umpire, particularly with it being school holidays, then we are encouraging them to get involved as well.

“We are hoping to put in about four or five teams at least and

DRAGON BOAT BLESSINGS

I might play as well - although I have just had a baby recently and there is a fair bit to do as the coordinator, so we will see how it goes.”

The early encouragement from her father has laid the foundation for her to play basketball in the association since the mid 2000s and, like her father, she has been a referee for several years as well.

She has seen basketball from every angle, understanding the intensity of competition as well as the responsibility of making the tough calls as an official.

Ms Earl said she was thankful for the joy that basketball had brought her over the years.

If you are over 30 and want to play basketball or are interested in being a referee, then you are welcome to call Elliee Earl on 0422 993 130.

To find out more about the Masters Games, visit www.sportsa. org.au/projects-and-events/2026masters-games/

By Dee Elferink

JENEANNE Hateley would often wonder about the brightly coloured boat cruising across the lake when she looked out of her kitchen window at Encounter Bay.

“The boats were so colourful they really stood out on the lake,” Jeneanne said.

“The noises and laughter that echoed across the water from the boat suggested thee were some colourful types in the boat too.

“I was so intrigued and really wanted to try it out, but it took me quite a few months before I worked up enough courage to go and see if I could try it out.”

More than a decade later and 81-year-old Jeneanne is the oldest member of the Victor Dragons Dragon Boat Club’s racing squad, training two to three times a week

Victor Dragons and Masters Games Dragon Boat competitor Jeneanne Hateley. (Dee Elferink: 537791)

at Encounter Bay lakes. Jeneanne regularly paddles and sweeps in the Dragon Boats South Australia (DBSA) competition, as well as having competed in Australian Masters Games events and, this year, in her third SA Masters Games competition. She has lost count of the number

of medals she has won over the last 10 years, but says “it is more than 20”.

“It is funny to think that my sporting medals have come in my 70s and 80s but then that is part of the attraction of dragon boating,” Jeneanne said.

“There is a lot of cardio fitness involved but not as much wear and tear on the body as some other sports.”

Jeneanne said she loves the fact that dragon boating combines the physical with the mental.

“Especially when I am at the back of the boat sweeping, I am completely focused on the safety of everyone in the boat and those in boats around me,” she said.

“It requires intense mental concentration which can be exhausting but is also really

stimulating and great for the brain.” Due to a lack of suitable water courses in the Fleurieu, the Dragon Boat competition for the 2026 SA Masters Games will be held at Mannum Waters Marina on April 11.

Jeneanne said while it means competitors will be away from other Masters Games participants, she is still extremely excited about the event.

“It doesn’t matter where it is because the Masters Games is always a fabulous competition to be part of,” Jeneanne said.

“We still compete to win once on the water but there is less pressure than other events and it is always so much fun.

“I feel blessed to be able to participate in a sport I absolutely love, with people I love being with, on and off the water.”

CROQUET IS A GAME FOR EVERYONE

By Michael Simmons

HEATHER Martin and Ron McNab are both members of the Victor Harbor Croquet Club and will both compete in the upcoming Masters Games.

Heather is 87-years-old and Ron McNab is 65 years, so the pair are a bit of an odd couple, but have the love of croquet as a common denominator.

Heather and Ron will enter Golf Croquet in the Masters Games in the Doubles competition.

“I started playing croquet at 81 and been a member of the Victor Harbor Croquet Club for seven years,” Heather said.

“I am a late starter and really looking forward to playing Doubles with Ron at the Masters.

“Croquet is a wonderful game while you are ageing and how many sports can you play at 87?

“At the Masters we will be playing and mixing with so many different people from various background and ages.

“They are coming from everywhere.”

Age is no barrier for Heather as she has been quite successful in the game she loves, winning multiple medals over the years.

Ron McNab has been a member for the past three years at the Victor Harbor Croquet Club and said he was proud the club will host the croquet events at the Masters Games.

I started playing croquet at 81 and been a member of the Victor Harbor Croquet Club for seven years,” Heather said.

“It is a great opportunity to show off our greens, which are the best anywhere I have played,” Ron said.

“I did play one year at Goolwa, but have enjoyed the move to Victor Harbor, as these greens are excellent.

“I have played at Adelaide Croquet headquarters and these greens in Victor are so much more superior.

“Visitors who come here to play in the Masters will be in awe of our

playing surface.”

Ron heaps the praise for the state of greens to Simon Kluske, who is the club’s green keeper.

“Visitors will be impressed,” he said.

“Playing against different opposition is going to be exciting and a challenge.

“I played lawn bowls and then I discovered croquet and have not looked back.”

Ron will compete in the Masters

Games in the Doubles with Heather and in the Singles.

“I adapted to the sport of croquet quite well, as I played 8-Ball in Scotland and I believe croquet is similar, instead you are on top of the table and using a mallet and not a cue,” Ron said.

“I enjoy it and bring on the Masters Games.

“I do not know what to expect, but it is wonderful Victor Harbor is hosting it.”

HOW THE MASTERS GAMES BEGAN

By Bevan Jones

FOR the first time ever, Victor Harbor will play host to the Masters Games in South Australia (SA) this April.

This multi-sport event is a great chance to highlight what’s on offer in the spectacular Fleurieu Peninsula, but also a chance for athletes over the age of 30 around the state to participate in the sports of their choice in an at times competitive but low pressured environment.

The idea for the Masters Games was first suggested by the Australian Sports Commission in the early 1980s with the first ever Australian Masters Games event taking place in Tasmania.

In 1996, history was made when the Riverland played host to the first ever South Australian Masters Games event.

Over the years, the games have travelled to different parts of SA, showcasing our state’s regional hospitality and sporting

infrastructure.

Towns have embraced the games not only as a boost to their tourism and economy but also a chance to welcome athletes and their support crews who have embodied active ageing.

The inaugural games brought together athletes from across SA and beyond who shared a love of sport and camaraderie.

Unlike elite competition, the focus was participation first and

performance second and today it remains the same.

Athletes competed in different age brackets but what set apart the event was the atmosphere and the social side of the games, where athletes get to build lifelong connections.

Sports have expanded over the years to include everything from athletics and swimming to lawn bowls, cycling netball and niche events that reflect passion and go with today’s trends like CrossFit last

year at Port Augusta.

For many of the participants, the Games are not about medals; they are about reconnecting with teammates and the opposition and proving that age is just a number - and, of course, finishing the day with a couple of cold ones and a sausage and bread.

For others it is also an opportunity to return to a sport decades after stepping away or discovering a new sport for the first time at the age of 50, 60, 70 or beyond.

At the 2025 Port Augusta Masters Games there were even athletes like 95-year-old Loxton man Percy Voigt, who competed at his first games at the age of 92 after seeing an advert on television about the SA Masters Games.

South Australia’s Masters Games athletes are truly inspiring and remind us all that passion, perseverance and playfulness grow stronger with time, with the message that you’re never old to play sport.

CALL FOR BUSINESSES TO GET ON BOARD

By Michael Simmons

LOCAL businesses across Victor Harbor are being encouraged to get involved in the SA Masters Games when the event comes to town in April 2026.

As a host council, the City of Victor Harbor will welcome competitors aged 30 years and over, along with their families, supporters and officials, from across South Australia and interstate.

The Games are expected to generate strong visitation and increased activity across accommodation, hospitality, retail and wellness sectors.

Mayor Moira Jenkins said the Games present a valuable opportunity for local businesses to connect with a highly engaged visitor market.

“The SA Masters Games attract participants who tend to stay longer, explore the region and

invest in dining, accommodation and local experiences,” Dr Jenkins said.

“We encourage businesses to think creatively about how they might welcome visitors and make the most of this opportunity.”

Businesses are invited to participate by offering special

promotions, extended trading hours, themed menus, accommodation packages, recovery and wellness services, or in-store activations that help showcase Victor Harbor as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

In addition to the sporting program, many participants

and visitors are expected to explore the city and surrounding region between events, creating opportunities for local operators to benefit from increased foot traffic and visitor spend.

Information for businesses, including promotional opportunities and key event dates, is available via the City of Victor Harbor website.

Businesses are encouraged to register their interest early to ensure they are included in eventrelated promotions.

The SA Masters Games will be held from April 16 to 20, 2026, with Victor Harbor hosting a range of sporting competitions and supporting activities throughout the city.

For further information, visit www. victor.sa.gov.au/samastersgames or contact the City of Victor Harbor on (08) 8551 0500.

SPORT SA: WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DO

By Ali Clarke

What Can Sport SA Do for Me - and My Club?

IF you play, coach, umpire, administer or volunteer at a South Australian sports club, you don’t have to do it alone.

Sport SA is the state’s peak body for sport, here to strengthen your people, operations and voice - so your community can thrive.

Practical help, right where you need it

From governance and committee training to risk tools, legal guidance and subsidised education, Sport SA equips clubs and state bodies with the resources to work smarter and safer - freeing up time to focus on players, parents and performance. Members receive ongoing advocacy, tailored training, event discounts, and partner benefits that reduce costs on essentials.

Your voice - amplified

When decisions are made about facilities, funding, and participation, Sport SA represents the collective

A single club can struggle to be heard.

interests of its members to government and key stakeholders.

That means your issues are heard at the right tables, with expert follow-through.

Celebration and connection

Sport SA shines a light on the people who keep sport moving - through flagship events like the South Australian Sport Awards, the Navigate Asset Finance SA Masters

Games, and the Marjorie JacksonNelson Centre for Women’s Sport - and creates networking that turns good ideas into shared solutions across codes and regions.

Who’s with you?

Sport SA’s membership spans state sporting organisations, associations, and clubs - part of a broad ecosystem that includes bodies such as Netball SA, Tennis

SA, Athletics SA, Football South Australia, Hockey SA, Rowing SA, and many more working across the state.

Sport SA chief executive officer Leah Cassidy puts it plainly:

“Our job is to take weight off your committee’s shoulders - build capability, open doors, and help clubs lead well - so you can spend more time on athletes and community.

“A single club can struggle to be heard.

“Together, our members have a united voice - and that’s how real change happens for facilities, funding, and participation.”

So whether you’re chasing volunteers, writing a policy, planning a season, or nominating a quiet achiever for recognition, Sport SA is your partner for the road ahead - advocating, connecting and equipping the people who make sport possible. Explore membership and support at www.sportsa.org.au

AMBASSADORS OF THE GAMES

By Dani Brown

THERE are two ambassadors being the face of this year’s Victor Harbor Masters Games: former basketballer Luke Schenscher and former hockey player Juliet Haslam. Schenscher, who lives on the Fleurieu and works as a teacher in Victor Harbor, had a long and storied elite basketball career in Australia, the United States, and Singapore.

Haslam, who works in the strategy and growth section of Sport SA, won two Olympic gold medals, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, and two World Cup gold medals with the Hockeyroos, and was Port Adelaide’s Head of AFLW for two years.

Schenscher

“I’m a health and PE teacher and I talk a lot about the benefits of

“The Masters Games provide an opportunity to stay involved in sport, and have benefits for your mental health, physical health, and socially.”

He said he was excited for people to travel to Victor Harbor for the Games from April 16 to 20 and experiencing the beauty and community of the town.

“I’ve lived all around the world and I’ve chosen to live here,” he said.

“Victor Harbor has a reputation of being a good holiday destination, with lots to do.”

Haslam said it was an “easy yes” when she was asked to be an ambassador, and she was proud to be a part of it.

stay involved and enjoy the community that comes with sport, I’m in,” she said.

“Competition and fun don’t have an age limit, and if I can help spread that message and cheer people on along the way, that’s a pretty good gig.”

She loved the spirit of the Games, and the stories and friendships behind it all.

“You’ve got athletes reconnecting with a sport they’ve loved their whole lives, others returning after years away, and some trying something completely new,” she said.

“I’m actually having a crack at pickleball myself this year.”

physical activity with students, but for adults it is difficult to find time to be physically active and stay fit and healthy,” he said.

“I’m a former hockey player and sport has always been a big part of my life, so any chance to encourage people to get active,

For more information about the Masters Games, visit www.sportsa.org.au/projects-andevents/2026-masters-games/

PORT PIRIE TO HOST 2027 GAMES

By Dani Brown

Port Pirie has been revealed as the host of the 2027 SA Masters Games.

Sport SA chief executive officer Leah Cassidy said she was excited to announce that Port Pirie Regional Council would be hosting the next Masters Games.

“They put in a strong expression of interest, and I am thrilled to welcome them as the host,” she said.

“I want to congratulate them on a great bid.”

She said Port Pirie Regional Council’s application to host was a strong one, and highlighted the quality of sporting facilities available to host a broad range of sports.

She said the way they spoke about the region with such pride made them a great host town.

“They have got an incredible group of volunteers in this bid,” Ms Cassidy said.

“Sport in the regions is like a religion; it’s like that in metro areas as well but there’s something about sport in the regions.

“The football club, the netball club, the golf club are all somewhere people come together.

“There’s such pride in the community and pride through the sporting clubs.”

The SA Masters Games have taken place in Port Pirie eight times since their inception in 1996, with the last time being in 2019.

I want to congratulate them on a great bid.”

“Port Pirie Regional Council hosted the Games a number of times in the early days,” Ms Cassidy said.

“Having not hosted the Games for a while was also advantageous.

“I’m looking forward to getting back up there and seeing the facilities and how they’ve grown.”

Once the 2026 Masters Games in Victor Harbor are run and won, there will be a few months’ breathing space before planning for the 2027 event gets underway.

Ms Cassidy hoped sporting clubs from Port Pirie would jump on board with the event once the council opened expressions of

interest closer to the end of the year.

“It’s of real benefit to the local clubs, who can do fundraising,” she said.

“Where there are no clubs (running a sport), we step in and help run it.”

Port Pirie Regional Council Deputy Mayor Alan Zubrinich looked forward to the community pride, economic benefits, activation of sporting venues, and people coming together for the 2027 Masters Games in Port Pirie.

“Being selected to host the 2027 Games is a tremendous endorsement of our community,

our volunteers, and our sporting culture,” he said.

“As South Australia’s sporting regional capital, Port Pirie has a proud history with the Masters Games, and we are excited to welcome them back.”

Mr Zubrinich said that Port Pirie had always embraced sport as a core part of community life, and supported athletes from grassroots participation to the elite level.

He said hosting the Games in 2027 would honour that legacy and strengthen it for the next generation.

“Our bid was backed by overwhelming community support, strong partnerships with local sporting clubs, and a proven track record of successful hosting,” he said.

“Port Pirie’s diverse sports offering, volunteer capacity, and modern facilities also demonstrated that we are more than ready to deliver an exceptional Games experience.”

Mr Zubrinich anticipated several thousand visitors coming to Port Pirie and surrounds across the event period, delivering a meaningful boost to both the local and regional economy.

“We look forward to seeing our region buzzing with visitors, celebrating sport, and reconnecting with returning competitors who know and love Port Pirie,” he said.

“The atmosphere, the community pride, and the statewide spotlight on our region will all be highlights.”

Fresh threads for the finish line!