The IX Master Games return to Tenerife this September with eight sporting events aimed at people aged 30 and over, including the launch of a new discipline, DEKA.
Organised by the Tenerife Island Council through its Sports Department, the wider programme includes 17 different sports spread across 40 weekends until November. The aim is simple enough: get adults moving, try something new and hopefully find a sport they actually enjoy.
This month’s programme includes cyclotourism, table tennis, yoga, orienteering, Canarian bowls, hiking, paddle surfing and kayaking, offering a mixture of activities on land, in the sea and outdoors.
Yolanda Moliné, Sports Councillor, said the programme has spent the past nine years encouraging adults in Tenerife to become more active, including people who may be taking part in organised sport for the first time.
The idea is to offer free activities that are accessible to different lifestyles and fitness levels, while encouraging participants to continue with sport beyond the individual events.
Table tennis and cyclotourism
The September programme gets under way with two events in La Laguna on Sunday 6 September.
The final day of the table tennis competition will take place at the Guamasa Municipal Pavilion from 10:00, with individual and doubles competitions for men and women across different categories.
Also in La Laguna, the San Benito Square will be the starting point for a cyclotourism route to Tejina.
The 26.5-kilometre route is classed as being of moderate difficulty and is aimed at intermediate cyclists. It combines coastal, mountain and heritage scenery along the way.
Yoga at sunset in Arona
Yoga takes over on 12 September, when the Master Games head to Las Vistas beach in Arona.
The session starts at 18:00 and will last around two hours, introducing participants to Hatha Yoga and Thai Yoga.
And given the location, there should be a fairly decent backdrop for it too.
Registration remains open until 11 September at noon.
Orienteering in El Rosario
On 19 September, participants can try their hand at orienteering in the Las Raíces recreational area in El Rosario.
Starting at 10:00, the activity involves following a map, locating checkpoints and completing the course against the clock.
The organisers describe the event as suitable for people of different ages and fitness levels, so you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to give it a go.
Paddle surfing and kayaking
The following day, 20 September, the action moves to Los Cristianos beach in Arona for a day of paddle surfing and kayaking.
Starting at 10:00, participants will have the opportunity to try both activities in a structured and accessible setting.
DEKA makes its debut
One of the main additions to this year’s programme is DEKA, which makes its Master Games debut on 26 September.
The session will take place at BeMovement Adeje from 09:30 and will focus on functional training exercises designed around strength and endurance.
Participants will work in groups through a circuit-style workout.
It gives the programme something a little different from the more traditional outdoor and recreational activities.
Canarian bowls
Also on 26 September, the final Canarian bowls event will take place at the Amigos del Chivo Club in El Tablero, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The event begins at 10:00 and is open to people aged 30 and over, with an emphasis on enjoying the sport and the social side of taking part.
Hiking in Teide National Park
The September programme finishes with hiking on 27 September.
The route, called ‘El Mirador del Teide’, is a circular walk through Teide National Park, offering participants the chance to explore one of Tenerife’s most recognisable landscapes.
The route is described as accessible, making it another option for those looking to get outdoors without taking on something particularly demanding.
Free to take part
All of the Master Games activities are free, although places are limited and prior registration is required through the Deportes Tenerife website.
Registration opens at 08:00 on the Monday before each event.
At present, registration is open for cyclotourism and yoga. Registration for orienteering and paddle surfing opens on 7 September, while DEKA, Canarian bowls and hiking open for registration on 14 September.
With eight different activities taking place during September, there should be plenty of options for anyone aged 30 and over who fancies getting off the sofa and doing something slightly more energetic than reaching for the TV remote.
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