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Veterans and masters sport – Sport and recreation for older people Research Completed

Title

Veterans and masters sport – Sport and recreation for older people

Lead Author

Roger Robinson

Organisation(s)

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia New Zealand - Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Publication Year

2013

Publisher

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia New Zealand - Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Contacts

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage
PO Box 5364
Wellington
New Zealand

Tel: +64 4 499 4229

Fax: +64 4 499 4490

Email: TeAra@mch.govt.nz

Abstract

In New Zealand older people have always been involved in sport and recreation. Hunting, fishing and swimming, the most recreational activities in 19th-century New Zealand, have no age restrictions. Outdoor sports and recreational activities such as tramping, mountaineering, boating, skiing and cycling are open to anyone fit enough to participate, regardless of age.

New Zealand was quick to introduce many organised sports that traditionally cater for older participants. These include archery, lawn and indoor bowls, croquet, golf, equestrian sports, sailing, shooting and tennis. During the 1960s the international mass movement for exercise in later life took off, influenced by New Zealander Arthur Lydiard’s promotion of jogging.

The structure of New Zealand’s sports clubs caters for a range of ages. University sports clubs keep membership open on a lifetime basis, with alumni and staff on the same teams as students (unlike American college sports, which are strictly confined to students). The urban trend of ‘pay-by-the-hour’ recreation, centred on commercial gyms or pools, also suits older people.

Competitive sport for older people is often referred to as masters sport or veterans’ sport. In track and field the term ‘masters’ has replaced the older term ‘veterans’.

This article provides an overview of the development of masters sport in New Zealand.

Keywords:

Masters sport, veteans sport

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Social research

National

Areas of Focus

Outdoor Recreation, Physical activity, Recreation, Sport

Population Groups

Older people

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