MORE than 300 competitors are participating in the 25th annual Tri-State Games in Ararat and Stawell this week.
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The carnival allows athletes with a disability from across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales to compete in a fun and safe environment.
A range of sports cater for athletes of all abilities, including running, swimming, bean bag throwing, football kicking and lawn bowls.
Event spokeswoman Janet Hooper said 30 teams were participating.
Mrs Hooper said the event started with a street parade in Ararat on Monday.
Five-time Olympian Shane Kelly, originally from Ararat, officially opened the event.
"The street parade was just wonderful," she said. "Local school students lined the streets, and Shane Kelly was a massive hit. He marched with the athletes and mingled with them after all the formalities were over."
Team sports were played on Monday afternoon, including cricket, bocce, tennis and lawn bowls.
Mrs Hooper said competition returned to Central Park in Stawell for athletic events yesterday.
"It was an absolutely fantastic day and the weather was just perfect," she said.
Horsham Hurricanes team member Jenny O'Laughlin said the street parade has been a highlight for her so far.
"I got to meet Shane Kelly and get his autograph," she said.
"He talked about being an athlete and opened the games."
Riverboat Rebels team member Corey Davis said his highlight was winning the 50-metre sprint yesterday.
Davis high-fived with members of the crowd after recording victory.
"It was just fantastic," he said.
It is the second time Davis has competed in the Tri-State Games.
Today is a rest day for competitors, before swimming in Ararat tomorrow and indoor sports in Ararat to conclude the games on Friday.
- DON'T miss Friday's Wimmera Mail-Times for more stories and photos.
