‘Non-local’ Masters Games Participants: An Investigation of Competitive Active Sport Tourist Motives

Abstract

Many governments within Australia actively support Masters Games with the expectation that such events generate significant economic benefits. However, while research demonstrates that ‘non-local’ participants provide greater economic value to the host region, little is known about this key participant category. In particular, previous Masters Games research has only briefly considered the influence of travel on participant motives. In order to address this gap in the literature, a qualitative investigation of the motives among non-local Masters Games participants was undertaken. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 non-local competitors prior to their participation in the 2005 Australian Masters Games. The data revealed that this category of participant may be particularly motivated by competition, extrinsic-achievement, socialising, camaraderie and athletic-identity. In addition, analysis revealed that the travel feature of this experience has a positive influence on the strength of each motive identified. These findings not only provide valuable information for Masters Games organisers but also contribute towards a better understanding of the competitive active sport tourist.