25th MAG 2014 – Stavanger

The Games started yesterday evening in the ice hall Sørmarka Arena in Stavanger, Norway. Some 180 competitors from 12 countries participate. The Games were opened by the Assistant Mayor of Stavanger, Ms. Bjørg Tysdal Moe. She was welcoming the participants to Stavanger and the Rogaland Region. She said they were happy to host these Games that now have been a regular event during 23 years.
The conditions were not ideal due to a malfunction in the ice machinery earlier in the week. Anyhow, there was one IMSSC Record broken by Pertti Niiskinen, FIN, AG70, who raced the 500 meter in 44,33 seconds. Many skaters were able to make personal bests, especially on the 1500 m.
The first day of the competition was 500m and 1500m Ladies and Men 65+. It continues today with 500m for Men 30-60 in the morning. The picture shows the very first pair of the competition at start. In inner lane is Renske Winters, NED and in outer lane is Astrid Helen Njærheim NOR. Starter in the background is John Egil Lilletvedt.