Community spirit shines as Alice Springs Masters Games marks 40th anniversary through wild weather

ALICE SPRINGS — The 40th anniversary of the Alice Springs Masters Games has concluded with a powerful display of community resilience following a week of destructive weather in Central Australia. According to reporting from ABC Alice Springs on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the event brought together approximately 1,800 athletes across more than 20 sports despite a series of severe storms that began last Friday. The week was marked by significant environmental challenges, including a major storm on Monday that left 9,000 properties without power and caused widespread damage to homes and powerlines. While the conditions forced the cancellation of Tuesday's golf and necessitated moving the Wednesday street party indoors to the Alice Springs Convention Centre, the spirit of the Games remained high. Competitors, including 88-year-old veteran swimmer Margaret Roberts, noted that while the wind and ice were daunting, the determination to continue was shared by all. Local residents and athletes alike stepped in to ensure the Games could proceed. Andrew Hogg, who won the Masters Mile on Wednesday, observed the community coming together with chainsaws and tools to clear debris from the streets and sporting venues. Tim Henderson, a veteran golfer at the Games, echoed this sentiment, stating that he spent much of his time assisting with cleanup efforts after Tuesday’s rounds were suspended due to fallen trees. As the competition draws to a close, the focus has shifted from the scoreboard to the strength of the Alice Springs community. For long-time participants like Roberts, a former teacher in remote Northern Territory communities, the event remains a vital celebration of friendship and active living. The successful navigation of this year’s extreme weather has been hailed as a testament to the enduring character of the region and its people.