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By Patrick Lujan
The first-ever Guam Masters Games kicked off Sunday night at the Leo Palace Hotel with most of week-long participants on hand.
“Launching this was important to give birth to something we hope will grow into the biggest tourist sporting event on Guam,” Tropical Production President E.J. Calvo said.
“This is something I’ve dreamed about since Alice Springs (Masters Games) 20 some years ago,” event organizer Benny Bello said. “I always knew that Guam can host such an event.”
Action starts Monday morning with tennis events at the Hilton Tennis Courts. Five other sports – basketball, baseball, running, golf and grappling – are all slated for this week that will culminate in the Closing Ceremonies next Sunday.
“We started with six sports and there’s no doubt we can go to 10 sports the next time,” Calvo said, with plans to make the event every other year.
Sports Tourism
An angle the organizers are trying to tap is sports tourism. Guam sends Masters teams throughout the world where they spend money in local communities. Calvo feels it’s time Guam is the recipient of such an event.
“This Masters Games draws a sports tourist that is more attractive than most because they are usually professionals, older, they bring family and friends, and they are here to enjoy themselves too. They got more money in their pocket,” Calvo said.
“A big thing is showing the off-island athletes how organized the events are and gives them confidence how organized the Games will go.”

Some of the tennis competitors come out for the opening of the Guam Masters Games. (photo by Patrick Lujan Jr.)
Sports Legends
Some of Guam’s sports legends were on hand, including basketball’s Ray Topasna, Larry Fejeran and John Cruz; baseball’s Jimmy Pangelinan and Milan Borja; tennis’ Rick Ninete; golf’s Bill Reyes; and grappling’s Melchor Manibusan.
Go to guammasters.com for more information.
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GPS Sports Calendar
September 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for September
3rd
Events for September
5th
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
8th
IIAAG H.S. CROSS COUNTRY
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Events for September
9th
Events for September
14th
ISA H.S CROSS COUNTRY
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
15th
IIAAG H.S. CROSS COUNTRY
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
17th
GUAM NATIONAL TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP
80’s 3.5 MILE GLOW RUN
Events for September
18th
ISA H.S CROSS COUNTRY
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
19th
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
19th
Events for September
21st
ISA H.S CROSS COUNTRY
ISA M.S. CROSS COUNTRY
ISA H.S. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
22nd
IIAAG H.S. CROSS COUNTRY
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
23rd
Events for September
25th
ISA H.S CROSS COUNTRY
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
26th
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
28th
ISA H.S CROSS COUNTRY
ISA H.S. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG M.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for September
29th
IIAAG H.S. CROSS COUNTRY
IIAAG GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for September
30th
ISA H.S. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7

MMA/Boxing
BRAWL 3 TO PACK A PUNCH WITH LOADED CARD

Weightlifting
POWERLIFTERS REPRESENT WELL IN TEXAS MEET

Weightlifting
POWERLIFTERS REPRESENT WELL IN TEXAS MEET

MMA/Boxing
BRAWL 3 TO PACK A PUNCH WITH LOADED CARD
COMING SOON …
- High School Football starts Sept. 29
- Brawl 3: Oct 13
- Guam’s Strongest Man and Woman Competition October 29