One-third of Australians aged 35 years and over have dreamt of competing at a major international sports event and their chance is just around the corner.

“It’s a case of goodbye Beijing, hello Sydney for 35-plus Australians,” said Margy Osmond, Chair of Sydney 2009 World Masters Games, the seventh edition of the world’s largest multi-sport event that will run from 10-18 October next year.

“You don’t have to be a young, elite athlete to have an Olympic-style experience. The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games are open to mature-age people of all abilities so we’re calling on Australians flush with Olympic spirit to get out there and have a go.”

The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games commissioned an independent online survey recently of 1,000 Australians aged 35 and over about their love of sport.

“More men than women – 45% as opposed to 21% – admitted they had dreamt of competing at a major international sports event so they may not need as much convincing to sign up. But given our golden girls in Beijing, we’re calling for women to also think big and register at www.2009worldmasters.com – it could be gold, gold, gold for Australia at the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games,” said Mrs Osmond.

The survey also found that 57% of respondents had played regular organised sport past their 25th birthday. Half of those who had not played regular organised sport since turning 25 cited either age or ability as reasons for their inactivity.

“Luckily the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for older Australians, whether they are playing sport currently or not, to realise their dream of competing at a major international event,” said Mrs Osmond.

“Anyone can compete in the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games provided they satisfy their sport’s minimum age, which is 35 or lower for all of the 28 sports.

“Neither age nor ability is a barrier to entry to the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games. A Brisbane great grandmother who’ll be 100 come Games time has registered for five field events in athletics. If she can do it then anyone can.”

To register for the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games visit www.2009worldmasters.com