The 40th Anniversary of the Alice Springs Masters Games wraps up with a defiant show of Territory spirit, warm hospitality, and resilience.More than 4000 medals were awarded to 1800 competitors, supported by more than 300 volunteers across 26 sports over 8 days.Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to deliver The Friendly Games after a decade of decline under Labor, as we rebuild our economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle.
The Alice Springs Masters Games have crossed the finish line in Red Centre style, making a defiant show of the Territory spirit in the face of severe weather events, with records broken and visitors galore.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, The Friendly Games saw a remarkable comeback in 2026, with the largest number of registrations and volunteers in over 8 years – and a jam-packed program of sports and off-field events.
Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, officially opened The Friendly Games and said the event showed the Territory’s mettle – and tourism appeal.
“This year’s Alice Springs Masters Games have shown the very best of the Territory spirit, with their warm hospitality and resilience in the face of some severe weather events.”
“As the global spotlight shines on the Red Centre like never before, we are proud to show the world that the Northern Territory is both second-to-none and one-of-a-kind.”
“Labor effectively sidelined the event with numbers declining fast. This year we’ve shown that The Friendly Games are well-and-truly back-on-track as the world’s best Masters Games.”
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and local Member for Braitling, Joshua Burgoyne, competed in this year’s triathlon event. He thanked those who ensured the Games could continue, despite the severe weather.
“It was great to get out there and be part of the triathlon in the Masters Games this year and to share the experience with my wife and community,” Minister Burgoyne said.
“It was through the community coming together that reminded us all of why this truly is The Friendly Games.”
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure and local Member for Namatjira, Bill Yan, said the games were a great success.
“For 40 years, the Alice Springs Masters Games have brought people together, built friendships and inspired us to keep having a go,” Minister Yan said.
“The recent storm didn’t dampen that spirit, and I thank the thousands of participants and hundreds of volunteers making this milestone one to remember.”
Among the over 1800 participants were 88-year-old Darwin swimmer Maggie Roberts, 89-year-old tennis competitor Raymond Maher and Tasmania’s Kay Bailey, a 12-time competitor, and Alice Springs local, Jenny Richter, who has competed in all 19 iterations of the Alice Springs Masters Games.
“It’s just great. Being fit is, it’s a goal to work towards the camaraderie, meeting new people. I’ve got friends, interstate, that I’ve met years ago,” Ms Richter said.
“One of the best things about the Alice Springs Masters is that non-athletes can pretend that they are champions for a week.”
This year’s anniversary celebrations also saw rockstars take centre stage at three major events, with Baby Animals and Choirboys kicking off the Games at ANZAC Oval, Shannon Noll leading the Mid-Week Party, and pop duo Sneaky Sound System bringing the curtain down at the weekend’s closing ceremony at Lasseters.
First held in 1986, the Alice Springs Masters Games is the second-oldest Masters Games in the world and is delivered by the Northern Territory Government.
