To be held from February 24 to 26, the games will be fun, social and, at times, competitive. 

The Barellan community has had a heartbreaking start to 2017, losing two loved members of their town. 

Twenty nine-year-old Micheal Irvin, a former resident, died in an horrific double fatal truck accident just outside of Whitton on January 3. 

The town was already reeling from this loss when seven-year-old Connor Irvin passed away on January 16 after being injured in a quad bike accident at his family’s property outside of Barellan. 

Barellan Masters Games publicity officer Carl Chirgwin was hopeful the event would bring back the smiles in Barellan. 

“It has been a rough start to the year,” he said. 

“Hopefully this helps to lift some spirits. 

“I think that’s what these events are all about.”

The masters games are already a testament to the town, with more than $50,000 raised in the past six years as a result of the games. 

That money has been donated back to various community groups. 

This year’s event will have 10 sports, including netball, cricket, golf, team penning, tennis and more. 

For the first time a fitness challenge will be introduced, which is something Mr Chirgwin was looking forward. 

“It’s new this year and aimed at those aged 20 and up,” he said. 

“It will be styled on challenges like those on The Biggest Loser, starting at the footy oval and will then continue at the pool. 

“It should be really interesting.”

Profits from the games will again be donated back to the community. 

“I think that’s why people like taking part because they know it stays in Barellan,” Mr Chirgwin said. 

“It doesn’t just go back to sporting groups, any community group can apply for the grant. We just want people to come and have fun … that’s what it’s about.”

Age restrictions do apply for each sport, with those yet to sign up encouraged to check the requirements online at http://www.barellanmastersgames.com.au. 

What you need to know