Michael Bates is a man looking to make the most of what he describes as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
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The sports fan from Upper Stowport has signed himself up for four different events at the upcoming Australian Masters Games next month and encouraged others to embrace the opportunity.
“I’m competing in the football and organising a side for that, I’ve got the trail run and I’ve got the Burnie Ten,” Mr Bates said.
“I’ve been in every Burnie Ten so that’s just under 35 of them I think.
“I’m in the car racing as well, I’ve been racing for probably the last 15 years so we’ve purchased a V8 Supercar ute and I’m going to run that into the Hillclimb up at Lake Barrington.”
Mr Bates said he had plenty of experience playing sport around the North-West Coast and his involvement in the games in the region really came down to taking advantage of the chance.
“I’m the type of person who wants to do everything, it’s going to be a once in a lifetime experience so you may as well embrace the Australian Masters Games when we can,” he said.
He also highlighted what he thought a lot of people didn’t realise, which was that you only had a one-off sign up fee for the games but you could take part in a number of events.
“I’m probably being a bit greedy going into four events but I went online and had a look and thought I may as well try a few different things.
“There’s only one Masters Games fee and away you go so that’s what I did and I thought you may as well give them all a go.”
While he hoped to do well in all events during the games, football was high on the priority list, as well as the car racing up at Lake Barrington.
“I’ve played for the Ridgley Football Club, I played for 25 years up there and I’m a 300-game veteran up there so I’ve played plenty of football,” he said.
“I also played a bit for the Burnie Dockers, my son played about 20 games down there as well.
“Football would be my strongest event, car racing is a leisure thing for me with a bit of pressure off but I’m looking forward to it all and having a crack.”
To sign up for the national event on the North-West Coast this October, visit www.australianmastersgames.com.
