The famous World Masters Games (WMG) will be held for the first time in Penang and the Asia-Pacific region from September 7 to 15, 2018. The games is one of the world's major sporting events, with nearly 25,000 amateur sportsmen taking part every four years.
There are 22 types of sports. For most of the games, there is no qualification criteria other than age, with some games restricted to those aged above 35. This means most people can compete, either to win or simply have fun. Unlike the Olympics, all athletes in WMG represent themselves, not their country.
Olympic Council of Malaysia President, YAM Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Jaafar said this was a proud moment for Malaysia as it was given the honour to host the first games in the Asia-Pacific region.
Penang State Sports Committee Chairman. Chong Eng had bid for the hosting rights last year in Nice, France. The Penang games are co-organised by the State Government and Malaysia Major Events (MME), as supporting partner. MME is contributing RM1 million to the event.
MME is a division of the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, an agency under the tourism and culture ministry.
The exchange of letters witnessed by YB Lim Guan Eng and YAM Tan Sri Tunku Imran
Penang Chief Minister, YB Lim Guan Eng said Penang was an ideal place for the event as it had many well maintained and state-of-the-art sports facilities. He also announced that the state government was contributing RM4.5 million for the event. Lim revealed that auditors estimated that tourists attending the event were likely to spend at least RM10 million.
International Masters Games Association Chief Executive Officer, Jens Holm said Penang was special as it was hosting the games outside its usual circuit. He said previously the games were mostly held in Europe and Pan-American countries.
Holm signed a host city contract with the Penang government, represented by Chong Eng. Holm also signed a support agreement with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, represented by MME general manager Tony Nagamaiah.
Source: Asia Pcific Masters Games 2018 website.
Secretariat
Asia Pacific Masters Games 2018
c/o Megamall Bowling Centre,
Level 4, Penang Megamall,
Prai, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 4-3987255
Email: admin@apmg2018.com
| Back |
