Arabic version: العواصف تختبر روح ألعاب أليس سبرينغز للماسترز

According to ABC News, the Alice Springs Masters Games marked its 40th anniversary through a week of rain, hail and destructive winds that disrupted events but did not stop competitors from taking part. About 1,800 people registered across more than 20 sports.

Hail first fell on the Friday before the Games began. By Monday, a destructive storm had brought down powerlines, damaged homes and left about 9,000 properties without electricity. Tuesday’s golf competition was cancelled, while the Wednesday street party was moved indoors to the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

Masters veteran Tim Henderson said he had never encountered conditions like those at this year’s event. He said another storm interrupted Wednesday golf for about an hour, though conditions improved on Thursday. Henderson said his wife won six gold medals in swimming events, while competitors remained determined to continue because of the event’s importance to visitors and Alice Springs.

Veteran swimmer Margaret Roberts, who turns 89 next month, said wind and ice made her fear swimming events would be cancelled, but organisers got them underway again. Gosford athlete Andrew Hogg, winner of the Masters Mile on Wednesday, said residents clearing storm damage with chainsaws and saws demonstrated the town’s community spirit. As the Games conclude, competitors have reflected on friendship, activity and resilience alongside sporting results.