The Friendly Games1

13 - 20 October

Issue Two Monday 15 October 2012 - FREE

WEATHER FORECAST

Min Max

TUE 15 37

Sunny - Possible cloudy

WED 16 38

Sunny - Possible cloudy

THU 20 37

Sunny - Possible cloudy

FRI 20 38

Sunny - Possible cloudy

WEATHER FORECAST

The recent hot weather in Alice Springs has compensated the Golf Course for the town’s record-setting 157-day dry spell.There was 3mm of rain recorded by the bureau in late September, ending a rainless period dating back to April.Golf convener Tracey Guerin said the week with temperatures ranging between 30C and 40C at the beginning of the month was the best thing for the course. “We could have done with a bit more water but the heat is good for the grass,’’ she said. “It helps thicken the grass which is good for the course. There will be a lot of foot traffic in the next week with over 390 golfers.There are players from New Zealand, Scotland, USA and around Australia taking to the greens of what is rated one of the best desert courses in the world.The Golf began at the weekend with a 4BBB

competition with most players partnered by people from other clubs to enable them to meet new people.While there were medals on offer in the various age groups, it was largely a practice round for the main event starting today. Due to high numbers, golfers were again split into two groups: 60+ and 35-59 yrs.The senior players are in action today, Wednesday and Friday, while the younger brigade are playing on the alternate days.They will be playing a 36-hole stroke and a 54-hole stableford competition concurrently.Medals will be based on the best scores in each age group but there will be daily medals for Division I and Division II for the men and women.Tracey said there were two players off scratch: Leigh Shacklady from Alice Springs and Anthony Mills from Devonport, Tasmania. Jason Howard is off three and Trevor Osborne is off four and there are a number of other single digit handicappers.

“There are quite a few A-grades and a number of ‘bushrangers’, ’’ Tracey said.“Some people were still getting their handicaps on the weekend before the Games.’’The Golfers are sharing the clubhouse with the Darts participants and Tracey said the venue was pumping. Musicians Elsie Lange and Biddy O’Loughlin will be providing daily entertainment over the week. “The Golf Club has a great atmosphere and the chef Ken is doing a great job cooking three meals a day plus bar snacks,’’ Tracey said.Tracey is the Sports Convenor for the first time after working in the results area for the past four or five Games. She has played in the Games since she was old enough but cannot this year due to injury.There is a committee including the captains and vice captains of the Alice Springs Golf Club and a team of about 40 volunteers helping out by driving drink carts, acting as spotters and others are helping make sure the Golf runs smoothly.

There are many friends from past Alice Springs Masters Games here again this year.

They include the 51 people who have been at all the Games (see the list on Page 2).

Among them are John and Bernie Dermody.

John was the Games general manager for three Games from 1990 and has been involved in Cycling lately while Bernie has been involved as an Ambassador, with Netball and as a Sports Medicine trainer.

They were instrumental in organising the annual cycling cruise from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon.

The family moved to Kapunda five years ago but are still keen supporters of the Games.

It is great to see Ray Norman, 80, back at these Games. He is competing in the road walks and will decide today, after the 5km event yesterday, if he will do the 10km tomorrow.

Ray was the inaugural Steering Committee Chairman and continued in the role until after the 1990 event. In 1986 he was in charge of NT Sport and Recreation and played a significant role in the establishment of the Games in Alice Springs.

Various factors restricted Ray to a few trips to Alice Springs after 1990 until 2006, his previous time at the Games.

Everything fell into place this year when he was called in to work at the Alice Springs office of Alzheimer’s Australia.

“I do volunteer work for Alzheimer’s and sometimes I get called in to work as staff,’’ Ray said.

“It was a good opportunity with the Games on at the same time. The Games are a magnificent event and I feel very proud of my role in establishing them. It has changed since my day, but that is all progress.’’

Different strokes for many folksJohn and Bernie Dermody have been involved in all of the Alice Springs Masters Games

Dermodys are back for more

1. The top 5 sports are Golf (389), followed by Basketball, Athletics Road and Cross Country, Hockey and Netball

2. There are over 3,100 unique competitors

3. 54% of participants are from the NT

4. There are 33 sports at 39 venues over a week

5. The year 2012 will be the 14th Masters Games to take place over 26 years

6. There are 482 participants registered as volunteers. 143 of these will be part of our Games Workforce, the remaining volunteers will make up our Sports Workforce

7. In 2012 the lowest age limit is 25yrs for BMX and Swimming

8. Mountain Biking has been added as its own category this year

9. There are 75 participants registered as Sports Medicine

10. The most common age group is 50-59yrs.

10FastGames Facts

Warning: With the Temperatures soaring and an Extreme UV Index don’t forget to

hydrate regularly and cover up to avoid heat distress.

The Friendly Games2

telling tales fromaround the Games...

If you have news or want to give a shout out please SMS or CALL

Some sensational dress efforts at the March: competitors of 2012, we salute you! Loved the Softball team ‘Mighty Ducks’ dressed in duck pyjamas. The ‘Coconut Ladies’ Indoor Volleyball team decked out in palm trees and ‘Silverlicious’ and ‘Goldilicious’ (WA volleyball) dressed in gold and silver body paint. Who did our spies spot in the VIP tent of the Opening Ceremony? You think Deb Page would have been tired from her stellar half marathon effort, but no, she was caught dancing exuberantly in the VIP tent. A Hockey rep was also caught displaying exceptional energy and bounce. Another conversation with Jim Lloyd, Squash, cannot be repeated. Don’t ask us why.

It was a case of being in good form too early for Alice Springs’ 10-pin Bowling Darren Burton.

He rolled a perfect 300 in the opening Meet & Greet fun competition on Friday. This is his second 300 of his sporting career. Unfortunately it will not count towards his tally for the gold medal to be decided later in the Games.Mayor Damien Ryan also rolled a strike with his opening bowl of the night, not bad given he is a walker not a bowler.

There have been many medals already presented at these Games – but only a few have been engraved.The engravers from Trophy Central expect to be swamped with requests at the end of the week. So bring your medals in as early as possible.The Games Centre is open until 6pm every day until Friday. Medals can be left with the engraver overnight and collected the next morning.

You can’t miss the Senioritas! The team is a diverse group of Alice Springs and former Alice players of all ages, talents and Netball skills.They may not be Mexican but the colours and part attitude reflect their trademark – Areeeeba!The girls like to sing, smile, drink (margaritas) and join in all the fun. They have trained to see their old mates formed over the years, The Saints from Adelaide and Old Spiritz from Bunbury, WA, for months.

A couple of teams, from WA and Queensland, are singing the praises of the Games Director of Transport Trevor Bell.He was able to get them to the Opening Ceremony on time after they had missed the final shuttle bus of the day on Saturday afternoon.People needing transport to and from their venues should make sure they

book one of the complimentary buses that are running well into the night by calling 1800 658 951.

The tradition of dressing up for the Games lives on with teams going to a lot of effort to create a good look.To ensure they look as good at the end of the week as at the start, the Basketball team ‘The Polar Bears’ have a different outfit for every day of the Games.

Heard the girls are beating the boys, at Swimming at least.Penny Reid clocked the fastest time of 4:56.02 in the 35-39 age group of the 400m event on the first day. Get your act together boys!

Darren HansenHeather RosierJames Smart

Liz ZakareviciusMarjorie Underwood

SportS HoroSCope14th Games – will it be

lucky for you?

LIbrAConsider your responsibilities and the rights of others before you take action on something you feel strongly about just now. This does not mean you are wrong; it just means that someone else may see things a little differently.

SCorpIoA dream about your sport from the night before may carry over into this morning’s activity. This dream may help you to achieve in a confusing situation.

SAGIttArIuSYou may have a restless urge for physical activity and competition. Improved physical fitness can increase your vitality and give you greater self-confidence.

CAprICornToday, you may feel that sport is just a lot of work and no fun; however, much of this is in the planning and in the attitude.

AquArIuSYou can also find new ways to improve your health. You are apt to participate more in games, sports and active play with your friends.

pISCeSExtract yourself from entanglements. You may experience a sudden change in your sporting status. Your hobby interests may soon turn to art, music, therapy, social or service work.

ArIeSYou will find delightful ways to relax and socialise with your friends and family. Make time for your next project.

tAuruS This is a secure period where you can make steady progress towards your sporting and social goals.

GeMInISubtle changes can bring a new awareness of the required changes you need to make. New routines require coordination to establish, but you can manage.

CAnCerYour intuitive senses are on target with your sporting goals. New options present themselves. You can benefit through professional groups and organisations.

LeoConsider your responsibilities and the rights of others before you take action on something you feel strongly about just now. This does not mean you are wrong; it just means that someone else may see things a little differently.

VIrGoEngage in activities that move you forward, toward your desired destination. You will be pleased with the outcome of your efforts. Steady yourself and move with intention.

Caught out reading the Friendly Times!

If you get snapped by our staff reading the ‘Friendly Times’ you may win a prize. Look out for your pic in the paper, then come into the Games Centre to claim your prize.

FourteenthGamersA L I C E S P R I N G SMASTERS GAMES

51 ORIGINAL PARTICIPANTS

The Alice Springs Masters Games salutes the 51 participants who have been involved in the 14 Games since the beginning in 1986.

If your have participated in all of the Alice Springs Masters Games since 1986 and your name is not on this list please contact the Games hotline 1800 658 951 and leave your details.

Anderson, PeterAustin, MaisieAyres, NancyBritton, ThelmaButterfield, GaryButterfield, LynCook, YvonneCooper, PeterDe Salvio, AlDermody, BernieDermondy, JohnEttridge, AnthonyFarrell, JohnFlattum, ClareFraser, DawnGrahame, LynetteGrogan, ArthurHoare, JudiHoey, PeterJakeway, KeithJones, SusanKimber, DickLew Fatt, ShirleyLow, BillLow, ClaireLyle, Helen

Maher, RaymondMcDonell, StuartMenzies, SteveMoldovan, DeniseNoland, JamesNiland, MarleneO’Bryan, AnthonyOldfield, GeorgieOttley, EvePerks, YvonneRasmus, ClaudeRichter, IanRichter, JennySargent, ChristineSiganto, HelenStirrat, JacintaSummers, GregThompson, GeoffThompson, SandyTranthem, NeilTrindle, MaureenTromp, SusanWalters, GrahamWilliams, Mignon

Keep your finger on the pulse and visit the games centreThe hub of the 14th Alice Springs Masters Games is the Games Centre at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

Even with most people accredited, there are still reasons to visit the Games Centre.

It is the place to go for souvenirs, photographs and a result service.

While at the Games Centre, make sure to pick up any copy of the Friendly Times you may not have had a chance to get your hands on at your sporting venue.

Don’t forget the Coffee Bar in the foyer where participants and other interested people can get a cuppa and

sit in comfort while chatting about past, current and future happenings.

The official medal engraving service, Trophy Central, will be based in the Expo Room. The Games Centre is also the venue for the Transport,

Administration and Media Centre, where competitors can come in and pass on story leads.

The Games Centre will be open from 8am to 6pm until Friday, it closes at 4pm on Saturday and will reopen from 10am to 2pm on Sunday for those last-minute Games memorabilia.

Call the Games Centre Information Booth on 1800 658 951 for any information about the 14th Alice Springs Masters Games.

The Alice Springs Convention Centre can cater for functions of various sizes from a 1000-person convention to a professional boxing night. Did you know: it was converted to house an ice skating rink in 2010-11.

The Friendly Games3

Official newspaper of the 2012 Alice Springs Masters Games

For Games info tune your radio to

900 AMofficial broadcaster

Media Partner 783 ABC Alice Springs - abc.net.au/alicesprings

783 ABCAlice Springs

SMS 0498 597 267 with your name, Accreditation ID (on your Accreditation Pass) and make a caption for

today’s photo. The best caption will win an prize. Winners announced in each edition of The Friendly Times.

Flat strap for bike chaps Many participants travel thousands of kilometres to compete in the Alice Springs Masters Games, Gary and Lyn Butterfield participate so they can help others compete.They are part of the Games 700-plus Volunteer Workforce and the Games 14-timers who travelled from their home in Wallaroo, SA, in mid September to begin helping out.Volunteering is not new to the Butterfields. They have been involved in a number of sports in Alice Springs and have offered their services to the region’s other iconic event, the Finke Desert Race, for almost 30 years and were awarded the ‘Finke Hero’ for their services in 2007. Both are life members at Arunga Park Speedway here in Alice Springs.Lyn and Gary have a swag of medals from competing in the Games but have always found time to help in a variety of capacities. Lyn has worked in communications and Gary driving buses and they have been Ambassadors since the early 90s.Another key area they have worked during the Games has been at the Athletics field events and organising the runners at the finish of the Masters Mile.“We do anything that needs to be done,’’ Gary said. “Someone has to do them or the event does not happen. Being involved in the Games is fun and you get to meet a lot of people.’’Lyn agreed, saying when she was younger it was easier for women to work as volunteers than men.This was because in her time women did not work after getting married and having children, and when they were in school she had time for other things.“There were things like school canteen and library duties, little athletics and coaching junior sports teams which just fell into place with motherhood,’’ she said.“Meeting and helping people are things that we enjoy doing. And it is helping to make events work so there is personal satisfaction from volunteering.”

Serious fun is the order of the week at Club Eastside as more than 40 Eightballers take to the tables every night this week.The scene was set with a social competition yesterday but the friendly rivalry of Alice Springs ‘cueists’ is mingled with the challenges from the seven visitors to town.There is a singles and a doubles competition from 5pm today through to Thursday, followed by an open competition for anyone who would like to try their hand at the game.Convenors Kevin Milnes and Brett Ireland have ensured both competitions have a double knockout format, meaning players have to lose twice before being eliminated.“This is the Friendly Games so we do not want people ending their Games by losing in the first round,’’ Kevin said.“During the early rounds, the competition will be the best of

three frames and the finals will be best of five. There is an open format for all the players and a women’s competition. The age groups for the singles are 30-44, 45-59 and 60+ while the doubles has two groups, 89 and younger and 90 and older, where the ages of the pair are combined.”Kevin and Brett know their way around the Eightball table and have both represented Alice Springs regularly in recent years with Kevin going on to compete for NT in the Australian championships for the past four years.Brett was the Eightball gold medallist in 2008 and finished the recent Alice Springs competition as the top player ahead of Kevin. All four tables being used at Club Eastside have been reclothed.Kevin said the recently renovated club was a great venue and served excellent meals, handy when the action goes until 10.30pm each night.

Going the extra mile to make the Games friendly

WA Gold Diggers hoping to strike lucky in AliceNuggets from WA are back digging for gold in Softball at the 2012 Games.Standing in their way is reigning gold medallist Norths, the most successful club in the Territory.Softball co-ordinator Cathie Allen said Norths celebrated their 40th year on Friday night.Cathie Allen explained: “Norths have won 25 premierships in Alice Springs. Nuggets claim they have been the bridesmaid too often and want to take gold away from Alice Springs.’’Maureen Trindle, the ‘mother’ of Softball in Alice Springs and 2012 flag bearer, has played in the previous 13 Games and is keen to look at other sports this year. There are three new teams in the Softball competition: ‘Tornadoes’ from Queensland and the NT

teams ‘Tennant’ from Tennant Creek and ‘Legends’ from Katherine.The teams are divided into three pools of four and will be playing for gold medals on Friday.The competition began on Sunday and games, with all the teams playing six, continue from 10am each day until Thursday when the finals begin.Thursday’s action will see a traditional four-team finals set up with first playing second, to go straight into the grand final, and third playing fourth for the right to play the loser of the other final in the preliminary final. A rush of registrations in the week before the September 14th deadline eased worries about numbers in Softball.

Co-ordinator Cathie Allen admitted she was worried about the slow start to registrations but these were eased with 176 players in 12 teams, one less than 2010, competing this year.It is Cathie’s second Games as the Softball co-ordinator after being the assistant for the previous two. This year she has a team of 17 volunteers helping which she said was ‘’really good’’.All the Softball games are played at Jim McConville Oval off Memorial Avenue.All the essential facilities are available, including a canteen and a bar, to ensure the participants and spectators can enjoy the Games.

Motorcyclists roared into the Games with the four-hour enduro event on Sunday and are looking forward to racing again tomorrow and Thursday.

The best ride on Sunday was by Doug Sims, 54, who was still going after completing seven laps in the time limit.

Outright winner of the day was youngster Mark Harvey, 32, who completed eight laps.

Another saddle-sore rider was Glen Auricht , 61,who won gold in the 60+ age group after completing six laps.

“I built the course with a grader but this was the first time I have ridden it on a bike – it is a lot different,’’ he said.

“Most of my mates in the age group only managed to complete a couple of laps.

I was lucky to be able to stop and have a break with a cuppa and piece of cake while my crew fixed a puncture.’’

The Motorcycllsts are back at the Alice Springs Motorcycle Club on Butler Road, off Ilparpa Road south of Alice Springs from 8.30am tomorrow.

The flat track event is like a speedway where they race around the track and the close racing is spectacular viewing.

The 1.5km natural terrain scrambles takes place on Thursday. This is like motocross without jumps, following the natural contours of the countryside out from the Alice Springs Motorcycle Club.

Riders race in the normal Alice Springs Masters age groups up to 60+ and also ride in two classes above and below 250cc motorbikes.

There’s not a pool shark in sight

The Friendly Games4

Friendly Times ContactsEditor - Laurel DuffellStories - Steve MenziesPhotos - Jayne WinterDesign - SamboPhone or SMS 0498 597 267

www.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au

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2012 Alice Springs Masters Games Sponsors

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Tomorrow'saction

SPORT TIMES

Archery 7.30am - FITA 60/900 Archery Range

Athletics - Road & Cross Country

6am - 5km Cross Country Telegraph Station

Athletics - Track & Field

3pm - Rhonda Diano Oval Head Street

Badminton 2pm - Individuals Marian Centre

Baseball 9am - Competition Lyle Kempster Park

Basketball 10am - Competition Traegar Park Stadium

Cricket 9am - Competition CDU & Jim McConville

Cycling 6am - Road Race Larapinta Drive

Darts 9.30am - Doubles Alice Springs Golf Club

Eightball 5pm - Competition Club Eastside

Equestrian 9am & 5pm - Hacking & Western Blatherskite Park

Football (Soccer)

4.30pm - Competition Ross Park

Golf 7am - Alice Springs Golf Club Cromwell Drive

Hockey 8am - Hockey Centre Traegar Park

Indoor Beach Volleyball

2pm - Competition Desert Sands

Lawn Bowls 9am - Men's & Ladies Pairs Memorial Club

Motorcycling 7.30am - Flat Track - Short Circuit AS Motorcycle Club

Mountain Biking

4.30pm - ANZAC Hill Climb ANZAC Hill

Netball 6pm - Competition Pat Gallagher

Shooting - Pistol

8am - Competition Pistol Club

Shooting - Sporting Shooters

8.30am - Competition Shooting Complex

Softball 10am - Competition Jim McConville Oval

Squash 2pm & 7pm - Teams & Individuals AS Squash Centre

Swimming 3.30pm - Competition AS Town Pool

Table Tennis 4pm - Competition Marian Centre

Tennis 7.30am & 5.15pm - Singles & Doubles Traeger Park Courts

Tenpin Bowling 10am - Competition Dust Bowl

Touch Football 9.30am & 3pm - Competition Flynn Park

Volleyball 1.30pm - Competition CDU