Mccallum's Medal heist!
November 2016
Months of preparation and anticipation has culminated in another extremely successful Tri-State Games by the St Arnaud All-Stars, which was held in Horsham from Sunday 6 November until Saturday 12 November.
Medals were won and records were broken as over 300 athletes and 150 support coaches and carers took part in events such as lawn bowls, cricket, swimming, walking across the pool, ten pin bowling, carpet bowls, track and field, basketball and bean bag throw.
The Games were officially opened on Sunday with over 300 athletes from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia attending the welcome barbeque. The barbeque was a great opportunity for the All-Stars to socialise and mingle with fellow competitors from around Australia.
Despite some inclement weather on the Sunday the All-Stars managed to win both of their cricket matches in between rain delays, before setting off to the Wimmera Events Centre for dinner and disco.
More success for the All-Stars was found on day two in the swimming, but despite the weather warming up, the pool temperatures were icy which proved a shock to some of the competitors.
After a very successful campaign in the 25m, 50m and 100m races the All-Stars left the pool destined for the Wimmera Events Centre again for the all-important ‘Barn Dance’.
After a day of recuperation on the Wednesday, the All-Stars were excited to start where they left off on the Tuesday in the track and field events.
Ms Rosee Larizza from McCallum Disability Services said the All-Stars did an amazing job in the track and field, whether they were competing, spectating or helping others to the next event.
“The Tri-State Games is such a great event to showcase how talented people with disability are. Everyone really enjoys being part of this great event as it allows everyone the chance to compete and socialise in a very warm and inclusive environment,” she said.
“The week is about having fun and enjoying each other’s company. Everyone is exhausted by the time the event is over, but there are so many success stories and memories made, it’s great to be part of it,” she said.
“I must thank the team of carers and volunteers who made it possible for the All-Stars to attend the event this year, they do a wonderful job”
“A great deal of work and effort is put in to getting this event up and running, and we couldn’t have got there without the help from The Murdoch Auxiliary, the St Arnaud Lions Club, K&S Birthisel, the Northern Grampians Shire Council, the Loddon Council and Weir’s Supermarket for their donations and support,” she said.
Not only did the St Arnaud All-Stars finish the event with great memories, their luggage came back quite heavier with 13 gold medals, 17 silver medals and 14 bronze medals. The All-Stars also won the trophy for the Best Overall Female Athlete which went to Chantelle Duncan.