A Legacy of Basketball, Brotherhood, and Wellbeing
|
|
|
This year marks the final appearance of the Tjilpis basketball team at the Masters Games, a group of mostly over-70s who have competed every year since 2004.
‘Tjilpi,’ meaning ‘old man’ in Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte, represents the team’s heritage. Their players have hailed from Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Darwin, and interstate. This year, they are dedicating their last Games to former teammates Strachy, E.T., and Paul, who have sadly passed away, as well as to Freddie and Roger Harris, who are bravely battling cancer.
|
|
Over the years, the Tjilpis have welcomed some well-known faces, including Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss from Alice Springs and ex-AFL player Darryl White, who is part of the team this year.
With fourteen members making their way to Alice Springs, the Tjilpis have received key sponsorships that cover travel expenses, bus hire, and the creation of their 21 uniforms.
Their mission goes beyond basketball—they’re all about promoting men’s health. Long-standing member Barry Freeman, or Bazza, highlights the importance of staying active: “We’re all 70 and over, and we can still have a go and do something. It’s all about promoting men’s wellbeing and mental health.”
He adds, “If you get some exercise and have your mates around, you’re 100% better off than sitting at home by yourself.”
Barry hopes the Tjilpis name will be passed on to younger players to continue their legacy at future Masters Games. So, if you get the chance, be sure to cheer on the fellas in the next few days!
|
|
|
While the Masters Games can be a great and fun experience, I have a word or two of advice. You can be confronted with scenes that can scar you. There is something truly disheartening in watching a man double your age run the 400 quicker than you ever could. It doesn't feel good. But that feeling of inadequacy will pass once the games are over. The sight of baby boomers making out like they're 17 and at a Blue Light Disco, however, will never leave you.
Taken from “We armchair sports lovers” - Adam Connelly’s 2008 column
|
|
|
Keep an eye on our socials for real-time updates to sporting schedules. Some events may be affected by the hotter-than-usual temperatures, so make sure you check them regularly for any changes and important announcements!
|
|
|
Celebrating Kate Smith's Historic Participation
|
The oldest competitor in 1986 was Kate Smith from Melbourne, who proudly represented one of 18 members of the Blind Bowlers' Association competing for the first time alongside sighted bowlers.
|
|
|
Here’s are some of the awesome moments from the Alice Springs Masters Games! From big wins to epic plays, the athletes have been bringing their A-game and making the most of the action.
|
|
|
Big congratulations to Leanne Usher and Joel Crawford on winning gold medals on Wednesday night in the mixed 40 - 49 Category.
Not only a great result for the pair but this was on top of them both being a tennis volunteer and a sports coordinator.
We are told Leanne Usher is a very valued volunteer of the Alice Springs Tennis club, and although she is not officiating for these Games, she does represent the Club on the Bronze, Silver and Gold national and international points tournaments in the past.
She has extensive experience Officiating at the ATP, WTA Brisbane and Adelaide international and of course the Australian Open.
Leanne is helping the two coordinators, Joel and Orin, out with the draws. So many great helpers with coordinating the sports and then participating and volunteering themselves.
|
|
Bullseyes and Bragging Rights
|
For the last 20 years the Treichel family have competed as the Nutcrackers in Darts.
Making their way from Gympie, and they are in it to win it. In the first year they competed, their team beat the Dilligaf, who at the time had been undefeated since the Games started.
They are the best of Gympie, having won 14 years of premierships straight back home.
This year, at 38, the youngest darts player to compete, Brendan Treichel came to Alice Springs with his uncle Kerry and aunt Joy. Kerry has been Brendan’s coach for over 20 years, so he has learnt from the best.
Brendan will be competing against Neil Tranthem, the most senior competitor at age 76. But in the Gillen Club, age won’t matter if you land a bullseye or hit the big fish!
|
|
|
Five birthday stars are celebrating another year. Sending warm birthday wishes to these incredible participants:
Anthony Ing, who travelled all the way from WA to compete in darts
Matthew McConville, our dedicated sports coordinator for eightball
Ron Saint, Alice Springs golfer hitting the course alongside his lovely wife, Fay
Molly Haneberg, competing in orienteering
Happy birthday to all!
|
|
|
Catch all the action by visiting our daily updated photo gallery!
Explore the full gallery at the link below.
|
|
|
Share your photos or fun stories on social media with the hashtag #ASMG2024 or send them to 0436 964 696.
|
|
|
Alice Springs Masters Games is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company. To find out what other amazing experiences we create, visit www.ntmajorevents.com.au
|
Acknowledgement of Country
Alice Springs Masters Games respectfully acknowledges the past, present and emerging Traditional Owners of the beautiful land on which we live, work and gather. We respect the cultural practices and traditions of our hosts, recognise the importance of sustainably caring for our country, and commit to being respectful visitors to traditional lands.
|
|
|
Terms |
Privacy |
Unsubscribe
© 2024 Alice Springs Masters Games. All Rights Reserved.
{{ site_settings.company_name }}
{{ site_settings.company_street_address_1 }}
{{ site_settings.company_street_address_2 }}
{{ site_settings.company_city }}
{{ site_settings.company_state }}
{{ site_settings.company_zip }}
{{ site_settings.company_country }}
|
|
|
|
