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outh Australia (SA) has won the rights to host the 2023 Australian Masters Games (AMG), with an estimated $12 million to be injected into the economy as a result of the event.

Over 70 venues will be used to accommodate the 9,000 athletes from 45 sports; the SA government has been the major sponsor of the 2019 AMG through the SA Tourism Commission.

The event aims to provide competition and “social interaction” for those aged 30+ and is open to anyone who meets the age requirements of the sport they apply for.

The intention of this is to not impose qualifying standards, in order to encourage longevity in sport participation; an array of various social events will also be held.

South Australian premier, Steven Marshall, said: “The event has previously delivered strong outcomes for South Australia, with the 2019 Games delivering a $11.9 million in economic benefit to our state, and bringing thousands of competitors to South Australia.”

“This is yet another event which will put our state on the map globally, and showcase everything South Australia has to offer.

“The Games will also provide a much-needed boost to local businesses, injecting millions into the economy, and bolstering our recovery from the global Coronavirus pandemic.

“Almost 70% of attendees at the 2019 AMG were from interstate and overseas, with competitors coming from all states and territories.

“We also had participants from 25 countries, and while it is a couple of years away, we’d be hoping that we can still attract visitors from overseas.

“We know the participants come here for the enjoyment of competing, playing a team sport, or aiming for a PB in their chosen sport, but they equally like to get out and explore our laneway bars, wineries, restaurants, and the great outdoors,” he said.

AMG event owner, the Confederation of Australian Sport president, Rob Bradley, said: “South Australia has hosted the AMG more times than any other state and is arguably the spiritual home of Masters Sport in our nation.”

The AMG is currently the largest multi-sport event in the country and has been hosted by SA seven times since 1989.