Entries for Tropical North Queensland's newest major sporting event, the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Masters Games to be held in Cairns from 8 to 11 August, have officially opened.

More than 2,000 sportsmen and women aged 30 and above are expected to enter the event which will feature 20 sports over an extended four-day program combining both sport and entertainment.

Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Cairns Gavin King announced the entry dates today, highlighting the role the event would play in supporting the local community.

"The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games provides a fantastic opportunity for local sporting organisations to be involved in delivering a major sporting event," said Mr King.

"This event will see visitors from intrastate, interstate and overseas join locals in Cairns over four days to celebrate masters sport, which is a great coup for Tropical North Queensland.

"The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games joins an incredible line-up of events in Cairns this year including Cairns Airport Adventure Festival featuring IRONMAN Cairns, CIAF as well as NRL and AFL fixtures."

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said the event will be a great opportunity to showcase the region's stunning natural beauty and extensive sporting facilities to visiting participants.

"We're looking forward to hosting the competitors and showcasing our extensive sporting infrastructure including award-winning venues and facilities," said Cr Manning.

"The event will be a chance to introduce new visitors to the region and also encourage them to explore some of our attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's Wet Tropics Rainforests while they're here."

The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games is being organised by Gold Coast Events, part of the Tourism and Events Queensland - the company that delivers the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games and annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

To enter the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Masters Games visit www.mastersgames.com.au.

2013 Sports Program
Athletics - Track & Field
Athletics - Road & Trail
Baseball
Basketball
Beach Volleyball
Cricket
Dragon Boats
Football (Soccer)
Futsal
Golf
Hockey
Lawn Bowls
Netball
Outrigging
Rugby Union
Softball
Squash
Swimming
Tennis  
Touch Football