It will be the sixth year the event has been held in Barellan, with organisers calling for as many people from the region to take part as possible. 

This year’s events will include netball, golf, swimming, tennis, the Barellan walk, barefoot bowls, touch football and much more. 

There has also been a slight change to the format this year, according to Barellan Masters Games president Sally Irons. 

“We’ve decided to hold the team penning as a twilight event so more people can attend and make it more of a social occasion,” Mrs Irons said. 

“It’s also better on the animals that way … those competing don’t usually get to see the team penning, so we thought we would give it a try. The barefoot bowls will again kick off the weekend on the Friday night. It’s always a really fun night that starts the atmosphere off for the following days.”

Since the games were started six years ago, the event has helped to raise $42,000 for the Barellan community. 

That money has been used to assist with sporting infrastructure projects, as well as other initiatives in the town. 

“It’s the whole reason we do it,” Mrs Irons said. 

“We’ve had good nominations already this year, so the more we have the more money that can be put back into the town.

“There’s already a few ideas floating around for what we can use this year’s funds on. We really want to help give the tennis courts a revamp.”

Mrs Irons was hopeful residents from Leeton shire would support the event. 

“There’s plenty of different sports to try out,” she said. 

“You don’t have to be great at any of them. 

“Our motto is ‘it’s never too late to participate’, so that’s what we encourage. 

“It’s a great weekend and it’s really starting to become well known.”

The Barellan Masters Games will be held from February 20 to 22, with more information available at www.barellanmastersgames.com or by contacting Mrs Irons on 0407 789 608.