100 days and counting ? Sydney gearing up to host the 2009 World Masters Games

Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said Grand Slam tennis champion Ken Rosewall and Olympic swimming gold medallists ? Daniel Kowalski and Murray Rose ? will attend the event and the public will have the chance to compete in sports challenges with Liz Ellis, Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Phil Kearns from 10.00am today.
?Today marks 100 days to go until the world?s largest multi-sport event begins in Sydney,? Ms McKay said.
?Members of the public will have a unique opportunity to compete against their sporting idols in a celebration of the Games and the potential benefits they will bring to Sydney.?
Ms McKay said great-grandmother Ruth Frith will also be on hand to demonstrate that age is no barrier to competing in the Games. Ms Frith, who is about to turn 100 will show everyone in attendance her shot-putting ability.
?The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in a major international sports event, at venues normally reserved for the world?s elite sportspeople,? Ms McKay said.
?The Games are expected to attract up to 25,000 people from more than 100 countries to compete in 28 sports across 72 Sydney venues, including Olympic sites.
?Registrations for the Games close on Friday 31 July so residents and visitors thinking about being a part of this special event should get their skates on and register now.
?What makes the Games special is that they?re open to everyone, not just elite athletes.
?It doesn?t matter how good you are. All you have to do is meet your sport?s minimum age, which ranges between 25 and 35, and you can compete.?
Ms McKay said the NSW and Australian Governments have contributed $8.5 million each to the Games, which are expected to inject nearly $50 million back into the NSW economy.
Ms McKay and Games Chair Margy Osmond will present each of the Games ambassadors with one of The Perth Mint?s Games commemorative coins that go on sale today.
?The Games will once again showcase Sydney as an event and sport-loving city on the international stage as well as promoting the health benefits associated with exercise and further strengthening the city?s strong sense of community,? Ms Osmond said.
Games registrations are open until Friday 31 July at www.2009worldmasters.com.