The Alice Springs Masters Games have officially kicked off in Australia, marking a significant event as the country’s first-ever and longest-running Masters Games. Athletes from across the nation gather to compete, with most participants being over the age of 30, the eligibility age for many sports. Fans can enjoy a wide range of events, from track and field to equestrian competitions. This year, the Games have also brought about a heartwarming reunion, as three long-lost sisters finally reconnected after years apart

Abina Pope, the eldest sister, has traveled from New Zealand to watch the equestrian dressage competition in the Masters. Talking to ABC News, she gets teary-eyed as the lady remarks that she is very proud to see her sisters. Christine Claudo, the second oldest, traveled from Riverland in South Australia, while the youngest, Margaret Walkim, came from the Northern Territory. The games are a great place for them to meet, considering the circumstances of the last time they saw each other.

It was in 2022, during the Riverland Floods, which was incredibly devastating for the communities, businesses, infrastructure, and agriculture. The sisters had gone down there to support Christine. She said, “Margaret came down to support me, and so did Abina during the floods of 2022 that went through the Riverland.”

While Christine said that it was not as devastating as USA’s Hurricane Milton, it still made the sisters emotional when they remembered it. “We just had a slow burn rise in South Australia, and this morning, going back to the emotional side of it, we all had a bit of a cry.” But this time, they are meeting in a much happier environment as Margaret will compete at the equestrian event of the Alice Springs Masters Games. In the end, it was the horses that brought them back together.

In fact, Margaret believes that it is the sister’s shared interest in horses and equestrian that has helped them stick together. Christina completely agrees with this sentiment. She believes that it is the common thing they share in their sisterly bond. “And you know, we’re all on the high side of 65, and it’s a lovely interest in something that keeps us connected,” she said.

The sisters’ shared love for horses was nurtured by their father, who, despite not allowing them to buy horses, frequently took them to watch races. This is where their passion began to blossom. Now, all three own horses, and Abina Pope even competed professionally until her hip replacement surgery. While she can no longer compete, she finds joy in watching her younger sister take the reins. Despite the challenges they faced, the sisters are grateful they made the journey to reconnect and enjoy the event together.

The Equestrian sisters are glad that they came to the Alice Springs Masters Games

The trip to Alice Springs in the Northern Region of Australia was quite expensive for the sisters. Not only that, they also had to fight living conditions that were far from comfortable. Abina and Christine said that they were bitten by bed bugs while they slept. But the other parts of the trip made it worth its money. Abina remarked that the drive to the place through the highways was immensely beautiful. Every inch of the road felt different from the other.

Margaret, on the other hand, endured a challenging journey, transporting her horse 1,500 km from home for the equestrian competition. Along the way, they faced setbacks, including a broken axle, but eventually made it through. Now, the three sisters can finally put the hardships of the flood behind them and enjoy the equestrian event together.

They also have two other sisters, whom they meet every couple of years. Margaret said, “It’s a very special bond between the five of us. Very special.” It is heartwarming to see them in their older ages so connected to their families. Hopefully, they enjoy seeing the event together. The games, which started on October 12th, will end on the 19th, marking an eventful week.