Cairns scores with 2023 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games

The sixth Great Barrier Reef Masters Games (GBRMG) provided an economic benefit of about $4.1 million – the most value since its inception in 2013.

Held in Cairns from 25-28 May this year, the event attracted more than 2,360 participants across 17 sports and generated 15,189 visitor nights to the region.

The Games attracted competitors from every state in Australia and internationally from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, India, Sweden, and the United States of America.

Along with competitive sports, the GBRMG included other events including three social nights, a Sportsperson’s Dinner and three community sports clinics attended by 150 local school students.

Significantly, the Games resulted in almost $145,000 being distributed to participating community sporting associations and businesses.

The Reef Restoration Fund received $1,747 in donations from competitors.

The next GBRMG is scheduled for 29 May to 1 June 2025.