More than 28,000 athletes will compete in 28 different sports at 72 venues throughout Sydney, with approximately 350 people from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie competing at the games, with 13 of these participants competing in the surf life saving program.

Minister for the Games, Jodi McKay said what made the games special was they were open to everyone, not just elite athletes.

“This year’s World Masters Games are set to be the biggest on record, once again showing the world that NSW is Australia’s premier events host,” she said.

“I look forward to cheering on our Hunter athletes as they compete in this major international sports event.”

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie surf life savers will travel south to contest a number of events, including for individuals the surf race, beach flags, beach sprint, surf ski race, board race, oceanman/ oceanwoman (formerly ironman/ ironwoman), board rescue (team event) and the increasingly popular one kilometre and 2km beach run.

Team events include the surf race, surf ski relay, beach relay, board relay, oceanman/ oceanwoman relay and the surf boat race.

Caves Beach surf boat crew The Executives have been rowing together for four years, and plan to give this international competition a good shake.

At the average age of 42 years, they manage to fit in training around family and work.

The crew of Brett Main, Kevin Geeves, Rick Robertson, Steve Fleming, Robert Ballard have a wealth of experience, including a total of over 16 State and Australian medals between them and still compete locally in the ‘A Grade’ division against guys half their age.

They won two medals at last year’s ASRL Championships at Broulee on the South Coast, the only boat crew to achieve this and lead last year’s state final only to be beaten into fourth place and see doing well at the World Masters Games revenge on this result.

At the end of the day though, they enjoy the sport and mateship that goes with it.

Go to www.2009worldmasters.com for all details visit the official website.