What a month for AUT Millennium!
April has been a whirlwind of action for the facility as the National Aquatic Centre, Sports Hall and Athletics Stadium filled with World Masters Games athletes competing in swimming, weightlifting and athletics disciplines.
The diversity of language, national colours, laughter and comradery over 10 days of competition were testament to the events success, which has been dubbed the best Games ever by the International Masters Games Association.
The event follows an Olympic model, but unlike the Olympics Games, entry to the World Masters Games is open to everyone. This makes it a significant event for those looking for a new goal and has the power to make a positive impact in their life (read more inspiring stories here). The competitors we saw here at AUT Millennium were a unique blend of podium hunters and holistic participants.
Inspiration was not in short supply, watching former AUT Millennium member, Penny Slack swim in her first ever competition at 83 years old was fantastic. (check out a short video of Penny’s journey here)
Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together and inspire change, something our AUTMI staff experienced during the weightlifting event.
AUT Millennium staff helped 80 year old weightlifting competitor, Albinas Vytautas Nauseda navigate his way around the facility (which can be a confusing labyrinth for new visitors!) after getting lost on his way to the facility.
The Lithuanian lifter reached out to AUTMI for help and it was an honour for us to assist Albinas through the event and on to the podium.
Albi celebrated his 80th birthday the day after his competition and did this in winning style, walking away from the 2017 World Masters Games with gold and setting a new World Record. (51kg Clean and Jerk in the u56kg weight class)
Being able to connect with competitors during the World Masters Games was great fun and we were grateful for the opportunity.
“Thanks Albi, this was a real highlight for us and you are a true inspiration”
The World Masters Games has now wrapped up for another four years.
To our fantastic members, thank you.
We understand the action had a substantial impact on our daily operations and we can’t thank you enough for your patience and positivity during the exciting event!
The team at AUT Millennium
