The IMGA says masters sport serves as "a strong motivator" to continue sport throughout life ©Getty Images

The International Masters Games Association (IMGA) say masters sport is a vital part of helping athletes to maintain an active lifestyle.

The organisation, founded in 1995, is the world governing body for masters sport - open to competitors defined as being of masters age.

There is no maximum age for competitors although the minimum age varies between sports, with the lowest being 25.

The IMGA, recognised by the International Olympic Committee, organises five international multi-sport events - the World Masters Games, Winter World Masters Games, European Masters Games, Pan-American Masters Games and Asia-Pacific Masters Games.

A study published by Ogilvy entitled The Wellness Gap Report, concludes that every brand can grow through wellness, which it defines as "activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health and wellbeing."

Lombardy in Italy was recently announced as the host of the 2024 Winter World Masters Games ©IMGA
Lombardy in Italy was recently announced as the host of the 2024 Winter World Masters Games ©IMGA

The Wellness Gap Report says that 77 per cent of people report that wellness is "very or extremely important to them", while it also reports that the global wellness economy is worth an estimated $4.5 trillion (£3.32 trillion/€3.88 trillion).

The IMGA says it passionately believes that masters sport can help contribute to participants wellness.

Jens Holm, chief executive of the IMGA said: "Master sports serves as a strong motivator to continue sport throughout life by offering an opportunity for like-minded adults to play sports and socialise within the same age category as themselves.

"As they say - if you rest, you rust."

All IMGA organised events are open invite, with the largest of these the World Masters Games, which attracts up to 30,000 men and women aged 30 and above from more than 100 countries.