More than 7000 participants will suit up and do battle across 47 sports – with everything from softball to sailing, football to fencing, darts to dragon boat racing – on show.

The eight-day sporting festival begins today and is expected to inject more than $12 million into the state’s economy as participants, friends and family converge on the city and regional South Australia for the extensive sporting and social schedule.

Of the more than 7,200 competitors registered, 60 per cent will be coming from interstate and overseas, including participants from New Zealand, Canada, the US, India, and Singapore.

South Australia has hosted the event seven times since 1989.

The State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission, is the major partner for the event.

Highlights of the week include centenarian Henry Young playing tennis, and Victorian Rob Italia as he competes in 20 events on the athletics calendar, including five as part of the pentathlon.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison

It’s a magnificent week of fun and friendship, with a fairly big slice of competitiveness thrown in for good measure.

In true Masters style, we know the participants love getting together and having a crack on the field of play, but also enjoy a great social life in their down time.

Adelaide has a great selection of laneway bars, restaurants and cafes – not to mention more than 200 cellar doors within an hour of the CBD – so we are expecting a big week for tourism.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard

I support a really special environment that encourages healthy competition, being active and social connection, the Masters Games brings long-time friends together and sees new friendships forged.

Participating in sport - no matter your age, ability, or fitness level – improves physical, mental, emotional and social health and wellbeing. And being involved in a huge, iconic event like the Masters Games is incredibly special.

I have loved participating in past Masters’ Games during which I slowly made my way up and down the basketball court. Despite a lack of success on that court, I have such great memories of everything about the Games.

I really look forward to welcoming thousands of athletes to the Games and to seeing locals and visitors enjoy all that Adelaide and the Masters has to offer. I wish everyone competing, or ‘participating’ as I did, the very best of luck in their events and a really great time off the playing field!

Quotes attributable to Jane Woodlands-Thompson Manager, AMG GENERAL

We have thousands of competitors coming to South Australia to take part in the Games, from across Australia and around the world, and many of them will bring their friends and family with them.

There is something for everyone, from the fittest among us to the fun people who are here to reunite with their mates, have fun on the court, field, diamond or water, and then enjoy the festivities along the way.

It’s going to be a massive week celebrating sport and the camaraderie it brings, ageing well as we get out there and give sport a go.