European Masters Games
The European Masters Games (EMG) is a multi-sport event, consisting of summer sports, that is held every four years. The age categories vary depending on the sport but the competition is generally for people 30–35 years or older. The first games were held in 2008 in Malmö, Sweden. The European Masters Games are held once every four year, with the next games being held in 2015 in Nice, France. The International Masters Games Association (IMGA), which is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the body responsible for the bidding and placing of the games.
Editions
| Edition | Year | City | Country | Date | No. of Sports |
No. of Athletes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 2008 | Malmö |  Sweden | 29 August – 7 September | 18 | 3,022 |
| II | 2011 | Lignano Sabbiadoro |  Italy | 10 – 20 September | 20 | 4,000 |
| III | 2015 | Nice |  France | 01 - 11 October | 27 | 7,200 |
International Organisation
The European Masters Games are owned by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), who also own the World Masters Games. IMGA is recognised by the International Olympic Committee, and which through the International Masters Games Association embody the Olympic ideal that sport is a human right for people. IMGA promotes lifelong competition, friendship and understanding between mature sportspeople, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sport status or economic circumstance.
The sports listed below are Members of IMGA or *Associate Members:
- Athletics (Track and Field)
- Archery
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Canoeing*
- Chess*
- Curling*
- Cycling
- Dance Sport*
- Fencing
- Floorball*
- Football (American)
- Handball
- Hockey
- Ice Hockey
- Life Saving*
- Orienteering
- Rowing
- Skating
- Ski
- Sled Dog*
- Softball
- Shooting
- Squash*
- Table Tennis
- Taekwondo*
- Triathlon
- Weightlifting
There are also Optional sports, which are promoting the sports that are not members of the IMGA and are thereby raising the awareness of Masters development within these sports. The Optional Sports must get the final approval from the Board of Governors. Below are listed some of the Optional Sports of past events:
- Baseball
- Golf
- Lawn Bowls
- Netball
- Rugby
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
EMG 2008 in Malmö, Sweden
The first European Masters Games (EMG) was held from August 29 to September 7, 2008 in Malmö, Sweden.
There was a total of 3,022 athletes who competed in 18 sports during the 10 days the games were held.
EMG 2011 in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
The Second edition of the European Masters Games was held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy from September 10 to 20, 2011.
There were a total of 18 different sports at the Second edition of the Games.
The European Masters Games 2011 set a new benchmark for future host cities. The standards were raised in all aspects in the Games, but specifically media awareness with an unprecedented 9 hours of Live TV Coverage.
EMG 2015 in Nice, France
Nice, France was selected as the Host City for the Third edition of the European Masters Games to be held in 2015.
While the Games were taking place in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Nice presented their bid to a group of the IMGA Board Members. The members were very impressed by the quality of the bid from Nice, therefore it was announced by the President of IMGA, Kai Holm, that Nice would host the Third edition of the European Masters Games.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi was very happy to see Nice recognized once again as a reference in hosting sporting events. He added that Nice could offer a new impulse to masters sport in France.
See also
External links
- International Masters Games Association Homepage
- EMG 2011 Homepage
- EMG 2008 Blog
- EMG 2015 - Ville de Nice
- Masters Events website
- Video Summary EMG NICE 2015