National President's Welcome Perth 2003

Tim Gleeson

I would like to welcome all to the 21st National Masters Australian Football (MAF) Carnival. For the 3rd time the Carnival returns to Perth, it is fitting that WA hosts this carnival given their outstanding commitment to travel over many years, especially considering their effort in 2001 for the Gold Coast Carnival

We are expecting 30 teams in 4 divisions and some 600 players. When umpires, officials and support staff are added the number of participants will easily exceed 750. The usual carnival events are planned including a celebrity drop kick with former Eagles and Dockers players

For this carnival we will return to the McGilvray complex. Many will remember this was the venue of the 1994 carnival. The complex provides 4 full sized playing fields and very good support facilities to stage the event.

We are very pleased that we were able to obtain financial support from WA Events Corp for the staging of this carnival. This support will ensure this carnival's viability and should allow the Board to return a dividend to all state associations for the development of our great and unique game

The Board is very pleased that we were able to come to an agreement with WAMAF who have been contracted to provide the game day infrastructure and catering. Indications are that there will be a different style of catering and entertainment this year. Thanks to WA for their cooperation and for their assistance in other areas of carnival operation.

Finally I would like to wish all participants an enjoyable and injury free carnival and a happy stay in Perth