Go team: The Murray Magic squad competing in Cobram. Photos: Belinda Anderson
For Vivid’s Murray Magic squad, the Tri-State Games provide an opportunity for athletes with a disability to participate in competitive sporting activities in a friendly and supportive environment.
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It is an event that has been missing for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but athletes from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia have finally descended on Cobram this week for the annual event.
And for the 11 athletes representing Murray Magic in Cobram, it meant a lot to be a part of it.
Athletes put their best foot forward, earning medals and setting new personal best times in the latest edition of the games, which first ran in 1986 in Mildura.
Murray Magic podium finishers for the week included Corey Davis, Zack Edwards, Victor Leris, Cameron Farer, and David McHardy, with Nick Clapp, McHardy, and Farer setting new PBs.
Speedy: Murray Magic’s Sophie Ryan charges down the lane in sprints.
Hundreds attended the inclusive event held from November 6-11, and members of the Murray Magic team left the event with high praise, including first-time participant Sophie Ryan.
Ryan said running second in the 25m was a proud moment.
“This is my first time doing the Tri-State Games and I’m definitely doing it again,” she said.
“I feel very proud.”
Top performance: Cameron Farer poses with his medal at the Tri-State Games.
The Tri-State Games provide opportunities to compete in track and field, indoor, swimming and team events.
It’s a positive outing for members of the team, and athletes were treated to an appearance by Geelong Cats star Esava Ratugolea, much to the delight of Cameron Farer.
Thumbs up: Murray Magic athlete Nick Clapp was pleased with his medal at the Tri-State Games.
“Some of us went to the gym on our rest day yesterday and I saw Esava from Geelong, so I had a chat and got my photo taken with him,” Farer said.
“It’s my first time at the games and it won’t be my last — I love it.”
The Tri-State Games conclude on Friday, but the experiences will last a lifetime for members of the successful Murray Magic team.
