Pinnacle teams at games

Ararat and Stawell district disability health provider Pinnacle will enter teams in upcoming Tri State Games in Horsham from November 12 to 17.

Its representatives will be among 300 athletes from disability organisations from across Victoria, NSW and South Australia who will compete in sports such as basketball, table tennis, athletics, swimming, indoor cricket, football accuracy kick and other sporting events.

Ararat Pumas will participate with 15 athletes and Stawell Swifts, seven, with both groups training all year for competitive fun.

Each athlete will compete for medals during the week-long event, which will start with a welcome barbeque on November 12.

The opening ceremony will be on November 13 and include a street parade through Horsham central business district and the raising of the Tri State Games flag.

Pinnacle chief executive Brian Burke said Ararat Pumas thanked their sponsors.

He said both teams were grateful for the generosity of volunteers in supporting the athletes to achieve their dream of competing against their peers.

During each night of the games, about 450 competitors and team-support personnel will enjoy evening functions featuring meals, presentations, live entertainment and dancing.

“The athletes are very enthusiastic about the exciting time ahead and we wish them well,” Mr Burke said. “We encourage the community to show their support by coming along to share this wonderful experience.”