The Friendly Games 1

13 - 20 October

Issue Three Tuesday 16 October 2012 - FREE

WEATHER FORECAST

Min Max

WED 16 38

Sunny - Possible cloudy

THU 20 38

Sunny - Possible cloudy

FRI 20 38

Sunny - Possible cloudy

SAT 22 38

Sunny - Possible cloudy

WEATHER FORECAST

Manning up in aggressive salmonIt will be a fun-filled night at the Netball courts with players being asked to play in something pink tonight. For those reluctant to wear pink, ‘aggressive salmon’ will suffice. Netball has attracted more than 200 players with seven visiting teams and 10 teams from Alice Springs.

Games began on Sunday, after the opening ceremony featuring local entertainer Shauna Hartig singing the National Anthem, with games Monday, tonight, Thursday and Friday.

Every night’s action begins at 6pm with the final game for the day starting at 9pm. Presentations are at 9.15pm on Friday.The exhibition game, where the girls show they can do it better, will be a highlight of tonight.

It was originally played between Spectrum WA Netball and the X-Men Touch players but the guys, all from the RAAF, have been called away on other duties and could not arrange their deployment to take in these Games.

Spectrum has been involved as a club since 2004 and has enjoyed the extra challenge of the charity game. Spectrum’s Mardi Mules has arranged a team of men from basketball and cricket.

“It was a little difficult to organise an opposition with the X-Men on duty,’’ she said.

“Apparently not all guys want to be put into a lycra body suit.

“But once they were aware that it was for a good cause they agreed.

“I think that secretly some of the guys are a bit excited about it.’’

Included in the men’s team are Rob Muir and Stephen Dunn from the Rusty Steelers basketball team from SA.

Mardi met them at the Australian Masters in Adelaide last year and convinced them to bring their team to the Alice Springs Masters Games for the first time and be involved in the game.

Other players are from the WA Country Veterans

60+ men’s Basketball team and The Syndicate Cricket team from Queensland.

“A lot of people said they would come and support the Game,’’ Mardi said.

“Hopefully they will come out and have a good

time.’’ While the Spectrum have been coming since 2004, Valetta Boddy is the only player at the Games from that original team.

The game is being played at 8pm on the courts closest to the bar.

A willingness of Athletes to help with the official duties is one of the highlights of the Track and Field competition.

The move to Rhonda Diana Oval, off Head Street on the Northside of town, has been well received by the Athletes according to Convenor Peter Saville.

“People have said it is the best grass track in Australia,’’ he said.

“It is not as spongy as Traeger Park grass which is kept longer for football and we do not need the floodlights for the track events.

“The temporary lights we have brought in are not good enough for field events at night so we do them during the day. I would run Athletics here all year if we had permanent lights – all we need is an all-weather Athletics track.

“The people, even the visitors, are prepared to pitch in and help with official tasks such as the measuring.

“It is not the Olympics and the competitors realise that the problem with the lack of officials is something faced by Athletics clubs around Australia.’’

Peter said the attitude among the participants was also first class and it was good to see the support

from a long-time participant, now suffering from Alzheimer’s, at the meet.

The woman is going in all the events she can, even if she needs assistance at times, has won medals and ran the 100m sprint unaided.

Games Honorary Ambassador Daryl Somers went to the ground on Sunday and ran alongside Athletics’ oldest competitor Monica Osborne to keep her company during her sprint events.

The move to Rhonda Diano Oval has resulted in new shot put and discuss circles, placed by the Alice Springs Town Council, and new carpet on the long jump and triple jump run ups, one paid for by the club and the other by the town’s Sports Facility Development Trust Fund.

Peter said these improvements would remain permanently for the town and would be used by groups such as schools.

“There is an argument about whether you want the top class Athletes opposed to having a fun event,’’ he said.

“People do want to see how they go against the best in the age group and also have fun.

“While this is not the Olympics, people do want their achievements here recognised.

“This requires all the facilities to be recognised and having officials, and I appreciate the support of the officials who have come out.

“We are working towards having the Games affiliated with the Australian Masters so any records can be recognised.’’

Track and Field works hand in hand with Road and Cross Country, even sharing competitor numbers so that they do not clash, to enable Athletes to compete in both if they wish.

The Track and Field events continue from 3pm today and include the running of the 1500m which could give some pointers to the Masters Mile on Thursday evening. The pentathlon is being held tomorrow.

Spectrum WA have organised a clash with a composite mens team to highlight the netball pink night later today

Left to right: Glad Gullock, Monica Osborne and Helen Fisher

On track for great games

The Friendly Games2

telling tales fromaround the Games...

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

The ‘Freak Files’ continue: Robert Freak won his second gold medal for the Games in the Cycling criterion on Sunday then raced off to play Basketball. He had just enough time after the game to cycle back to receive his medal, then it was back to the Basketball for the welcome barbecue.Quite a big day all told even for this 66-year-old who has competed in Masters Games around the world.

Bet you didn’t miss the glitch in the system in Sunday’s paper. Quite interesting hearing our Graphic Designer Sam Bondereff trying to explain that pages, ordered 1,2,3,4 are indeed to be laid out in that order. Not sure if it was a payback for not mentioning enough crocodiles? Happy Birthday to 84-year-old Glad Gullock, whose birthday was on Sunday, and is taking part in her 13th Alice Springs Masters Games – her

first in Athletics instead of Swimming.Heard meeting with Daryl Somers helped make her day.

Who was the team captain of an unnamed sport who almost did not make his game on Sunday because the horse races were on at Pioneer Park?Fortunately, the call of duty prevailed and he went to his game – and saved a little money in the process by not punting, although two of his horses did win after he left.It proved a good move for him as he scored his first goal for 12 years in his team’s victory.

Heard any athlete unfortunate enough to suffer an injury at these Games will be in good hands.Two doctors in the Sports Medicine team, Dr Geoff Thompson and Dr Linda Clow, were on the Australian

medical team for the recent Para Olympics in London.

How could anyone question a call with the two umpires having more than 100 years of umpiring experience behind them?This was the case when Jimmy Davidson and Bill ‘Spider’ Sinclair umpired the Baseball game between E.C. Slammers and Darwin Crocs yesterday.And yes, being Baseball, there were calls that were disputed but the umpires won.

Don’t go calling out “Hey Nobby’’ at the Darts venue – you could get a bigger response than you expected.A whole team is made up of players calling themselves Nobby and have had individual shirts made to show it. If they answer to anything else during

the week, they face a team fine which will not be peanuts.And, you have probably guessed it, the team name is Nobbies.

Games Ambassador Shauna Hartig created a big impression and gained a new fan when she sang the National Anthem at the Netball opening ceremony in front of around 250 people.At the end of proceedings, youngster Liam Badenoch, 10, stepped forward and asked Netball Association president Antony Yoffa if he could meet Shauna. Asked why, Liam said he wanted to congratulate Shauna on her singing. An ambassador for the future perhaps - Shauna was certainly impressed.

Karen PinkNarelle Ryan

Vicki KingLeonie LeachDennis RyanWayne HarrisPeter Brister

Valda CrabtreeNeville ChalmersMargaret Godfrey

SportS HoroSCope14th Games – will it be

lucky for you?

LIbrAIf you’re feeling a bit under the weather, you will pull through it. Those around you are not interested in nurturing you, so you will have to pull your socks up, and think like you’re better already!

SCorpIoIt might be heating up outside, but to keep the warmth in your love life, you might have to put in some effort.

SAGIttArIuSYou might make a new friend that could help you in a business sense, be open to it. These aren’t just games, they’re a networking opportunity!

CAprICornGet a photo of you doing what you love to share with your extended family. Now is a good time to remind your family about your interests.

AquArIuSYou are a trendsetter by nature and fashion today Aquarius, so make sure you’re wearing a style worth catching on. Doing a good deed this afternoon will be repaid in kind, but that’s not your motivation for doing it.

pISCeSYou may be a fish out of water this week, Pisces, but you’re loving it. Remember, kind words are better received than frank advice, so if you have advice to provide, cushion it with kindness; these are Friendly Games!

ArIeSSometimes it’s ok to let someone else win the argument…. But not the war! Go forth and triumph…. Peacefully.

tAuruS

Your supreme ability to judge people quickly allows you to size up the competition quickly; but remember you can’t always judge a book by its cover.

GeMInIKeep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel!

CAnCerDon’t let your sensitivities taint sound advice. Today is a good day to show how loving and caring you are.

LeoYou’re in the mood to create something amazing, so don’t hold back, just do it!

VIrGoWalk confidently today Virgo, and the world will see the real you. Your caring and gentle nature will be rewarded.

Shoot out at 7 paces sure to please crowdPistol shooters will be rolling in the dust, shooting left and right handed and shooting from holsters at the Undoolya Road Pistol Club. The events will take place again in the Service Pistol and the Western Action (WA) competitions on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am – 3pm. This is sure to be a great spectator sport, even for those who have never been to a pistol range. The event will include a variety of shooting activities, from shooting ‘prone’, shooting from 50m, right down to a close range shoot out at 7 feet.

Ask around at the pistol range and you will hear a variety of stories of how these sports men and women came to

this somewhat unusual sport, which has 27 competitors entered in this year’s games.

Bill Low learnt to shoot growing up hunting in British Columbia, Canada. He moved to Australia in 1970 and joined the Alice Springs Pistol Club to keep up his sport. Bill says the most important aspect of the sport is the mental control, patience and ability to do things repetitively.

Campbell Morrison, 67yrs from Adelaide, is part of a committed contingent from South Australia which has travelled to Alice Springs for every game for the past 20 years. On Sunday, Campbell was shooting in the Black

Powder match, a form of pistol shooting that involves the style of pistol used in the 1850s, with actual gun powder and a lump of lead for a bullet. Campbell used a .38 Thompson Patriot pistol made in the USA, a modern replica of an 1850s gun.

Members of the pistol fraternity promote it as a family sport, where children from 12 years can participate. The Alice Springs Pistol Club hosts an open day the first Sunday of every month at 9am. The club provides safety goggles and ear muffs for spectators. A canteen is available for spectators and participants this week, including hearty hamburgers at lunchtime.

It could be a little dangerous when Judy Owen hits the Squash court in the doubles this week.This is not a deliberate strategy but it does tend to get a little crowded with four players squeezed on the court.Judy said she was going to have plenty of squash during the week as she is playing singles, mixed doubles and teams events.She is impressed with the Squash facilities for the Games and said the atmosphere in Alice Springs “is very good’’. Although she has played in Masters Games in Queensland and Victoria, as well as the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide, the one she makes sure she does not miss is here.A triple gold medallist, Judy flew to Alice Springs from Adelaide for the first time to compete at her ninth Games.

Campbell Morrison with his modern replica of an 1850’s pistol

Four in the court makes things a little squashy

The first Track and Field record was broken in the women’s 70 - 74 Hammer Throw on Monday, by Sue Green of Darwin with a throw of 19.64m. Congratulations Sue!

For the record, the Friendly Times will not report on every swimming record at the Games. Due to the new short course venue, every swim is a record.

records Alert

“Previously I have driven in a convoy with a group of other players, stopping overnight in Coober Pedy,’’ she said.“There are only three of us this year so we flew instead.“It was a lot quicker, I enjoyed the flight and there was a lovely reception at the airport.“I love coming to the Alice Springs Masters Games. My father lives in town but I would still come if he didn’t.“I plan to come back for more. As long as my body holds up I will be back to play.’’

Official newspaper of the 2012 Alice Springs Masters Games

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.

Mountain Bikers will brave heat to climb to hill topCompetitors in the mountain biking event could face temperatures of up to 36 degrees as they climb Anzac Hill this afternoon at 4.30pm.

This is the first time the hill climb will be part of the program for the Masters Games, and organisers anticipate that it will become a blue ribbon event with the short, steep climb encouraging tight competition and excellent viewing for spectators.

Upon completion of the incline, competitors and spectators will be able to enjoy the most spectacular views in town to the MacDonnell Ranges.

Convenor John Pyper says that the steep climb incline of Anzac Hill is the old training ground for Australian Road Champion Alex Rhodes, whom he used to train. Alex won the Australian Championship after overcoming injuries sustained when a car ploughed into her training squad in Germany, killing a team mate.

Spectators of the hill climb are encouraged to wear hats and parasols and line the street Tour de France style for the Anzac Hill climb. Mountain Biking has been added as a sport in its own right to the Master Games due to its growing popularity.

Mountain Bikers heading off in their first event of the Games on Sunday, be sure to see them take on Anzac Hill this afternoon

Reigning World Masters Games 10km Walking champion Debbie Page is in the middle of a hectic week as Convenor of the Road and Cross Country Athletics program.She intends to compete in the runs and walks, guiding her own group of walkers through their paces. “I have a great team including an event director for each race as well as injured NT distance running champion Peter Eason doing the timing and results,’’ Debbie said.“Last time I only did the walks but was, as the Co-convenor, able to take on board the fun from all the other athletes. While it was my best Games for performances, sharing the joy of others was so much better. It is not just about my results. I am looking forward to doing more, not better. That is the big picture.’’Debbie has worked for the Alice Springs Running & Walking Club for around 12 years but has had to stand down from the committee due to completing the maximum allowable term of three consecutive years.This has allowed her more time to train the group of men and women walkers aged from 35 to 70yrs, and teach them the mechanics of race walking.“I had no idea about race walking when I started but saw the women doing it in the early Alice Springs Masters,” Debbie said.“I was power walking but there was no comparison. I thought it was a cool thing and that I had to do it to get better at my sport.

“Before going to the Sydney World Masters I had no idea what people were doing in walking so I learnt. Bob Cruise came here and sent me a training program which I am passing on to the group.“Once you are committed to something, you are committed.” While she won gold at the Sydney World Masters Games in 2009, she believes her best walk was seventh overall in the latest Australian Championships where she teamed with Olympian Claire Tallent and Gloria Halliday to win the silver medal for SA. Debbie rates her 2011 NT Sports Volunteer of the Year Award as her greatest achievement in sport.While still unsure if she will defend her walking title at the World Masters in Italy next year, Debbie will keep training.... just in case.

Claire Low, Hervey Bay, and Yvonne Perks, Ballarat, met at the first Games in 1986 when they both requested a tennis partner and have since formed an enduring friendship. The fabulous pair have attended all 14 Games and played doubles tennis together from 1990-1996, winning medals every year except for 1996 when Claire had sore achilles tendons. The time capsule was created when Daryl Somers presented medals at a tennis event with the two women beside him and they have stalked him ever since! Each photo of Daryl, Yvonne and Claire contains a photo of the three holding a photo of themselves from the previous six Games. Sounds confusing but looks intriguing. Daryl was more than happy to oblige this year saying: “They are wonderful girls to continue the tradition”.In 1998 Claire Low moved into Lawn Bowls and Yvonne participated in Badminton and Athletics in addition to Tennis. Claire also likes to watch the tennis and has friends over at Tenpin bowling. Claire said: “It is fun coming back to meet old friends and make new friends. I met Yvonne in the first Games and we have been friends ever

since. We look forward to catching up every two years”. Yvonne and her husband travelled up to Claire’s 60th Birthday Party in Queensland in October 2011. Claire lived in Alice from 1981-1999 and joins a number of past residents

who love coming back to Alice. She was also a governess at Macdonald Downs Station in 1971.Another impressive fact: Claire drove on her own, 3066 kms, over 3 days from Hervey Bay - without breaking the speed limit!

Debbie turns a fresh page

Another case of history repeating

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Left to right: Yvonne Perks, Daryl Somers and Claire Low

Excitement at the pool on Sunday as many first time swimmers swam in the 25 metres splash and dash, with many experienced swimmers breaking Personal Best times.

Swimming legend Dawn Fraser presented the medals at the end of the Sunday session.

Quote for the meet: “We swim because we are too sexy for a sport that requires clothes” Author Unknown.

One Volleyball player from South Australia took the advantage of some rest and relaxation in the lead up to the games, enjoying the sights in and around Alice Springs.

Relaxing with a game of Golf, he was enjoying his game and the backdrop and serenity of the golf course. One shot went a little wayward and ended up near the pond.

Not stressed he wandered over and lined up his shot. As he was about to swing, he heard his fellow players yelling at him sounding a little concerned. Before the player could do anything about it, he looked up just in time to watch his buggy rolling down the slopes and ‘splash’ into the pond! Inclusive of his wallet, phone and car keys... of course the first thing to be rescued was the clubs.

Poolside thrills

Golfer spills

Yesterdays Caption Winner

“Hey check out my balls”

The Friendly Games 3

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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Tomorrow'saction

SPORT TIMESGeneral 6pm - Mid Week Party

Lasseters Hotel Casino

AFL 5pm-7pm - Social: Alice vs Darwin Traeger Park

Archery 7.30am - 3pm - IFAA Archery Range

Athletics - Road & Cross Country

6am - 8am - 10km Walk Simpsons Gap

Badminton 9am -7pm - Individuals Marian Centre

Baseball 8am - 7pm - Competition Lyle Kempster Park

Basketball 10am - 7pm - Competition Traegar Park Stadium

Cricket 9am - 5.30pm - Competition CDU & Jim McConville

Cycling 5.30pm - 8pm - Track Training Velodrome

Darts 9.30am - 6pm - Team Games Alice Springs Golf Club

Eightball 5pm - 9pm - Competition Club Eastside

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

Football (Soccer)

4.30pm - 8.30pm - Competition Ross Park

Golf 7am - 6pm - Alice Springs Golf Club Cromwell Drive

Hockey 8am - 6pm - Hockey Centre Traegar Park

Indoor Beach Volleyball

2pm - 9pm - Competition Desert Sands

Lawn Bowls 9am - 10pm - Knockout Singles Memorial Club

Shooting - Pistol

8am - 2pm - Competition Pistol Club

Shooting - Sporting Shooters

8.30am - 4pm - Competition Shooting Complex

Softball 10am -3pm - Competition Jim McConville Oval

Squash 10.00am-2pm - Mixed Doubles AS Squash Centre

Swimming 3.30pm -5.30pm - Competition AS Town Pool

Tennis 7.30am - 11.30am - Singles & Doubles Traeger Park Courts

Tenpin Bowling 10am - 6pm - Competition Dust Bowl

Touch Football 3pm - 7pm - Competition Flynn Park

Volleyball 2pm - 6.30pm - Competition CDU

Tenpin Bowling 10am - Competition Dust Bowl

Touch Football 9.30am & 3pm - Competition Flynn Park

Volleyball 1.30pm - Competition CDU