AFTER 12 months of cancellations that seem to be rolling into 2021 in some cases, residents can take comfort in an old-favourite going ahead.
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The Barellan Masters Games will be happening on February 27 and 28 in a COVID safe manner.
The games will be highlighted by Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley officially opening the newly-refurbished Barellan Tennis Courts Complex.
She will be joined by MP Stephanie Cooke and other dignitaries in opening the courts from 10am on February 27 as part of the two-day weekend.
Funding for the project has been received from the NSW state government's Stronger Country Communities grant of $267,417 along with locally-acquired funding for an additional $83,000 which has been invested into the new tennis complex.
Updates have included a new court surface, playing lights, clubhouse facilities and tennis equipment.
IN OTHER NEWS:
This year's Barellan Masters Games promises to be an event worth participating in.
There are nine sports scheduled - lawn bowls, triathlon, netball, cricket, tennis, golf, basketball, softball and the Barellan walk.
This year the games will be staged over two days, Saturday and Sunday, with the Saturday night staging lawn bowls under lights at the Barellan and District War Memorial Bowling Club.
Organisers said the Masters Games had gained a widespread reputation as an event catering for masters level sports people, providing a fun-filled weekend that boosts the town and participants' spirits year after year.
Games organising committee member Carl Chirgwin said interest in the event had increased in 2021 due to the lack of social opportunities due to the current COVID pandemic.
He said the event was already attracting widespread interest again this year.
While it's a competitive event, the games is also a great morale booster for the community of Barellan and those participating.
"People get to enjoy their sport in a great atmosphere and the Games play an important role in mental health as well as healthy participation in a sporting event, both as teams and individuals," Chirgwin said.
"It inspires older generations to take part in an event specifically for them, as well as an enjoyable social occasion."
Chirgwin urged participants to come out in force for the jam-packed program of sporting events at the weekend starting with the walk from 8am Saturday, lawn bowls from 5.30pm Saturday night and again from 7am Sunday morning with the triathlon.
Further information and new registration forms are available on the Barellan Masters Games website www.barellanmastersgames.com.au or the Barellan Masters Games Facebook page.