Official Opening Ceremony

THURSDAY 25 May 2023  

LOCATION:  Barlow Park , 251-269 Severin St (corner of Scott St and Severin St), Parramatta Park, Cairns, QLD 4870

OPENING CEROMONY: All attendees are encouraged to be at Barlow Park before 5pm, where you can enjoy a drink at The Jacks on location bar or get a bite to eat from one of the food vans: Nicks Souvlaki and Providore Amore from 4.30pm.

  • Marshalling for athletes is at  5.30pm  (look for directional signs)
  • The Opening Ceremony will start at 6.00pm (see the schedule below).

REGISTRATION & MERCHANDISE HUB: Why not check in early prior to the opening ceremony. Beat the rush at the Registration Hub on opening night as we will be open from 7.30am (see all opening hours)

OPENING CEROMONY: Join us for the official Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games. The opening will include, a march-past by all athletes and non-playing officials, great entertainment and musicians, with our Games Ambassadors Leisel Jones OAM and Matthew Bowen officiating and hosted by our emcee Tammy Barker. The afternoons preceding will lead to the anticipated lighting of the Origin Energy Games Cauldron; the cauldron will stay alight until the conclusion of the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games.

Everyone is encouraged to dress in your best 'sporty wet-tropics' costumes and team branding for our first night of the games. Spectators are welcome to come along and watch the Opening Ceremony with front row seats from the grand stand.
OPENING PARTY: The Opening Ceremony will lead straight into the Opening Party (see more details)

DRESS THEME: Sporty wet-tropics      

5.30pmMarshalling and line up with sports signs, as directed by volunteers and staff
6.00pmMarch-past commences around Barlow Park athletics track (*see map below)
 Emcee Tammy Barker to welcome athletes, VIPS, ambassadors and audience to GBRMG Opening
 Athletes march-past around track to lead to the assembly area  (*see map below)
 Welcome to Country
 Live Performances
 Official Opening
 

GBRMG Games Ambassador Leisel Jones OAM will officially open the Games

 

GBRMG Games NQ Ambassador Matthew Bowen will light the Games Cauldron

7.15pmAfter the Cauldron is lit, the athletes will be directed to the Opening Party area.
Click here for details

NOTE - this event is open to the general public to watch.