SJ responds to readers’ concerns in the Ponsonby News Healthy Living column.

SARAH–JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING

A big welcome to all athletes and spectators converging here for the Auckland 2017 World Masters Games, Friday 21 April to Sunday 30 April 2017. Plus a ‘special offer’ for Ponsonby News readers, a free ACC (no co-payment) osteopathic treatment.

Are you ready for it? It’s the largest multi-sport event in the world, we haven’t seen an event of this scale since Rugby World Cup 2011. More than 25,000 sports competitors, from over 100 different countries. With audience attendance stirred into the pot, that totals a staggering 250,000 visitors over two weeks. The great thing is that it’s also school holidays so families can take part or head out of town to the bach – whatever takes your fancy.

We are excited to be involved. At our Living Osteopathy Clinic, we have two clients entering – yacht racing and tennis – both are veteran sports people. The preparation has been huge, a 12-month wind-up of body, mind and soul. What a climax, all that blood, sweat, tears and dedication. We are part of their high-performance support team – fine tuning, stretching, strapping, maximising blood flow, balancing and decompressing a developing body. If injuries are sustained, as New Zealanders, they are eligible for the support of ACC – the envy of the sporting world.

New Zealand has become internationally famous for being able to deliver on major events. As a sporting nation we do it so well. Approximately 12,000 Kiwis are expected to compete. Even though competitors don’t represent their country, there tends to be a great deal of patriotism involved. This event demonstrates that whether you are 25 or 95, you have the ability to set sporting goals and achieve them.

These games, like the Olympics, are held every four years. There are 28 sports: archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, canoe, cycling, football, golf, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, orienteering, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, softball, squash, surf life saving, swimming, table tennis, tennis, touch rugby, triathlon, volleyball, water polo, and weightlifting. There are 45 disciplines within these sports – for example, swimming has backstroke, butterfly, freestyle and breaststroke. All in all that’s a lot of competitors at 45 locations across Auckland – expect to feel their presence everywhere.

All sports events will be run to international federation rules and guidelines including anti-dope testing – good – my blood boils when I hear about someone doping!

Competitors generally compete within their own age group. This presents participants of all levels of skill the opportunity to compete against athletes of similar capability and age to win medals. Each sport offers men and women competitions. I’m chuffed that these games will deliver the largest-ever para-sport programme in the history of the World Masters Games. A total of 11 para-sport options for athletes with a disability.

The cost of staging the event in Auckland will be $33.6 million. Auckland Council and the Government have each approved $11 million funding with the remaining $11.6 million to come from registrations and sponsorship. An independent economic consultancy expects the event to deliver a cash inflow to Auckland of approximately $45.2 million, and a GDP impact of about $36 million. I hope that grabbed the attention of our Western Bays business community – let’s roll out the red carpet!

In the light of all this good sporting spirit – and to support you finding your ‘innerathlete’, Living Osteopathy is offering Ponsonby News readers during April and May a first appointment with free ACC (no co-payment) for new clients with our associate osteopaths, Kushla Currie and James Hutchinson. Kushla and James are keen sports people and can advise on technique. Kushla plays club tennis, tramping and is a year-round swimmer. James enjoys competition-level badminton and mountain biking.

Remember, as accredited ACC providers, you can come directly to us. We can assist you in completing the forms, provide assessment and a treatment plan – no requirement to see a doctor first.

(SARAH-JANE ATTIAS)

Please quote ‘Special Ponsonby News Offer’ when booking online or do give us a call on T: 09 361 1147.