2010 Wolrd Masters Athletics

KAMLOOPS TO HOST WORLD INDOOR MASTERS ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2010

Kamloops won the bid to host the 4^th World Championship in Athletics in March 1-6, 2010. With the new indoor facility at Tournament Capital Centre at Hillside Stadium completed, Kamloops was able to seal the deal.

On the advice of Canadian Master President Brian Keaveny to send a delegation to Clermont – Ferrand, City of Kamloops Director Byron McCorkell, City Facilities Manager Scott Hartman, President of the Kamloops Track and Field Club, Judy Armstrong and past director Al McLeod traveled to France and met with World Athletic Association Council Members, event organizers, officials and made a presentation to the council and Kamloops came out a winner!

World Masters is made up of athletes from the ages of 35 years and up. They compete in 5 year increments and can have competitors to age 90 competing. Kamloops will have a full range of track and field events indoors, with throws (javelin, discus, and hammer) outdoors and non-stadia events schedules. They include a half marathon on Tranquille Rd, and eight kilometer cross-country run at MacArthur Island and a 10 kilometer race-walk on Schubert Drive. It is estimated that this will turn into a 1.5 million dollar cash infusion for the city as these athletes are very interested in coming to and seeing our country while they are here.

The six day event is hoped to draw over 2000 athletes competing; however, after the trip delegates feel that number will increase as it’s the first time held in North America, therefore bringing more Americans.

The World Masters 2010 has now formed a committee that will work towards hosting one of the biggest track and field athletic events ever hosted in the province with a city that is known for its hospitality and volunteers.

Judy Armstrong

Co-Chair

World Masters 2010