February 16, 2016 (Vancouver, BC) – With less than 200 days to go until the inaugural Americas Masters Games in Vancouver, Games stakeholders and local organising committee are pleased to announce that registration for the 24 sport, global multi sport event is open and going strong. Organizers are encouraging masters athletes from across the country and around the globe to register early to take advantage of special discounted hotel rates until the deadline of February 29th. Up to 10,000 athletes aged 30 or older, supporters, coaches, spectators, family and friends are expected to attend the Americas Masters Games in Vancouver for the nine-day fun and festive event. Registration starts at $215 (approximately $150 USD) and $75 for each additional sport added (approximately $53USD).

The Games offer an exciting range of competitive opportunities and age categories in each of the 24 sport disciplines that range from Archery to Volleyball. People learning a sport or competing for the first time will find a recreational level of competition, while ex-Olympians and high performance athletes can test themselves against the best in their age category. Events are free to the public to watch.

“Not only is Vancouver a great place for athletes to compete, harbouring some of the greatest sports facilities in the world, it’s also a fantastic tourist destination,” said Russ Cowan, Executive Director of the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association. “We are pleased to extend special accommodation rates to our visiting Masters Athletes.”

The Americas Masters Games 2016 will stage events at attractive and iconic venues from across the city, ranging from UBC, Stanley Park, False Creek and the beaches of Kitsilano and Spanish Banks to the Vancouver Convention Centre and Hillcrest Centre. Provincial sport organizations in BC will be delivering the field of play and providing competition details for their respective sports.

“We are so excited to be planning this Masters event,” said Rob Newman CEO of Sport BC and the Americas Masters Games 2016. “We look forward to welcoming athletes from around the world to our great city!”

Through a strategic partnership with the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, UBC, BC Pavilion Corporation, Tourism Vancouver and Sport BC – Vancouver will once again take centre stage and offer a world-class sport, social and cultural experience to all participants. The event is sanctioned by the International Masters Games Association.

“We look forward to the inaugural Americas Masters Games in Vancouver,” said Jens V. Holm, CEO of the IMGA (International Masters Games Association). “Vancouver is the perfect location for Masters Athletes to compete and enjoy the host city.”

To register for the Americas Masters Games 2016, or for more information, please visit www.americasmastersgames2016.com

List of Sports

• Archery
• Karate
• Athletics (Track & Field, Road Races)
• Lacrosse
• Badminton
• Rowing
• Baseball
• Rugby
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Curling
• Softball
• Cycling
• Squash
• Diving
• Swimming
• Field Hockey
• Table Tennis
• Golf
• Tennis
• Ice Hockey
• Triathlon
• Judo
• Volleyball