Olympic legend celebrates Masters Games 100-day co

Five-time Olympian and Olympic gold medallist, Natalie Cook OAM OLY, will share the secrets of her success firsthand at the inaugural 2021 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games (GBRMG) Sportsperson’s Dinner on May 21.

The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games Sportsperson’s dinner was launched today, 100 days out from the opening of the 2021 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, 20-23 May.

Tickets for the dinner are available to both GBRMG participants and local residents and the event will be held at the Hilton Hotel on the Friday evening of the Games, May 21, 2021.

Beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook is the official ambassador of the 2021 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games and during the Sportsperson’s Dinner she will shed light on how she has coped with life in and out of the sporting spotlight.

“Athletes by nature are tough and we are often perceived by as being made a bit different to the average person. People think because we are athletes that we are fitter, healthier and happier than others,” Natalie said.

“We might be fitter, and hopefully healthy, but we are normal people and we suffer the same doubts and anxieties that other people face, sometimes because of the spotlight it is actually a greater issue for professional athletes.

“Despite the incredible success some athletes have had in the sporting arena, we still suffer fear of failure and surprisingly a fear of success.

“Retirement for a top athlete can be hard as you have spent your life trying to reach massive goals and then feel like you have to start again after the crowd has stopped cheering.”

“That is why events such as the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games are so important. It allows all athletes, whatever the level of their sporting ability, to reconnect with friends and the feeling of achievement that sport brings.”

The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games return to Far North Queensland over four days from 20-23 May 2021.

Organisers expect more than 2500 participants aged 35 and over to converge on Cairns for the celebration of Masters’ sport in the tropics.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning, a participant in the past two Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, said these Games provided the first opportunity for Masters to compete in almost two years.

“There is no doubt that athletes from all sporting backgrounds are keen to get back on the field and there is no better place for that to happen than here in Cairns.” Cr Manning said.

“The 2019 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games were a resounding success and injected more than $2 million into the local Cairns economy.

“This year’s Games look set to break records with interest and registrations at an all time high.

“I can assure all Games participants that our region is ready more than ever to welcome you back.”

Tickets for the 2021 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games Sportsperson’s Dinner on May 21, 2021 at the Hilton Hotel costs $69 for GBRMG registrants and $76 for people not part of the GBRMG.

The price includes a two-course-course dinner featuring Natalie Cook as the key note speaker, drink on arrival, entertainment and prizes. The major lucky draw prize on the evening is an incredible Gold Class VIP Great Barrier Reef package for two worth more than $1200.

For more information and to register for the Games visit www.gbrmg.com.au.

The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games are presented by Cairns Regional Council with support from Tourism and Events Queensland.