Easy trade, Canada's chill for Games' warmth

Plenty of people will remember the bubbly personality of Anne Corbett from NZ Masters Games of 2001 and 2005.

Then Corbett was assistant manager, looking after the Games office so she was mainly beavering behind the scenes.

But now she's back, as a participant competing in the 5km road race, as well as table tennis.

With her school teacher husband having a year's sabbatical they have made the trip from their home in Nova Scotia, Canada, and are here for about a month.

She says the return visit has given them a chance to catch up with many old friends.

"I was far too busy before to compete but it's great being able to catch up with the all the people I worked with before," she said.

She's not sad to have left the bitter Canadian winter behind either.

"When we arrived here the temperature back home was as low as minus 37C and there was a heavy snowfall warning for our town last night when they expected about 20cm of new snow. So this rain today is a huge treat for me," she said.

She came here in 1999, following her husband when he got a teaching job in Wanganui.

"There was a job posted in the paper for an office manager. I got that job and worked with Murray Burnett who was Games manager and Murray Carey was chairman. It was one of the best experiences I've had in my working career," Corbett said.

She said she's passionate about the Masters Games and for that reason could not rule out the possibility of returning to Wanganui for future events.

She said being part of the Games organisation and enjoying the build-up and hype surrounding the event was something special.

This time ,she has taken in the opening ceremony and enjoyed Saturday night in the tent at the village.

In her first Games in 2001, there were more than 8000 participants and Corbett said she hoped Wanganui continued to get in behind the event.