Victorian Masters Sport Resource Kit - Australian Sports Commission

3. Benefits of Masters Sport
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3. Benefits of Masters Sport
3.1 Social
A major component of Masters Sport is
providing social contact for people of a
similar age group with similar interests.
Many participants contend that making
friendships is more important than
competition and recognition.
For older people, Masters Sport can reconnect
people who are isolated due to changes in
lifestyle such as retirement or widowhood.
In addition, with the growing number of
events in Masters Games, there are
opportunities to travel widely to participate in
competitions.
3.2 Health and Well Being
Masters Sport increases the opportunities for
older people to be physically active,
improving their general health and well being.
Sport provides a structure within which
people can exercise regularly through
training, practising and competing.
It provides participants with varying levels of
challenge and opportunities to develop skills.
In many cases, Masters Sport is run by people
of a similar age who can empathise with
Photo: Cathryn Tremain/The Age Photo Sales Photo: Melbourne Sports Network
participants, and structure activities to suit
their abilities.
Furthermore, it provides players with an
opportunity to meet new people and develop
friendships.
Some of the health benefits that can be
generated by participating in Masters Sport
include:
Physiological Health
The US Surgeon General’s report: Physical
Activity and Health (1996) highlights that
improved health is possible through regular