Track and field events had been scheduled to take place at Dudley Cornell after Wednesday’s break day but the wet conditions led to a decision being made to play indoor sports a day early.

It hardly dampened the spirits of the athletes though as they took part in sports that included pool, indoor bowls and basketball.

Shane Welch has represented the Warrack Warriors at the past four games. He said he enjoyed being back at the games each year.

“It’s mainly about meeting new people for me,” he said.

“I got involved through my boss, Des Roberts, and Heather Thomas.”

Callum McKnew has enjoyed his first experience of the games with the Warriors.

“Heather asked me if I wanted to take part and I jumped at the opportunity,” he said.

“It’s been pretty good to have a new experience. I’ve met some new people and made friends with them so its been really good.”

Welch said his favourite sport at the games was cricket.

“We were all a little disappointed when it was too hot to play on Monday afternoon,” he said.

Welch said he had the chance to catch up with a few of his Tri-State games friends throughout the year because of football and netball.

“Otherwise I only see most of them at the games each year,” he said.

Welch said he had enjoyed the games being in Horsham the past three years.

“It’s really good to see everyone who shows up for the parade on Monday,” he said. “The best thing about the games is just being involved with everything.”

Horsham’s turn of hosting the games will come to an end when the games finish on Friday.

In 2018 athletes will travel to Semaphore and Port Adelaide in South Australia.

It will mean a much shorter trip for South Australia Arrows team members Rob and Dale Pritchard.

“The games have been fantastic the past three years,” Rob said. “I’ve loved it in Horsham.”

The twin brothers have been going to the games for the past twelve years and enjoy a healthy rivalry in the pool.

This year Rob got the better of Dale in the backstroke by a narrow margin.

“I’ve been waiting 12 years to win this medal,” Rob said.

They said they keep coming back to meet new friends and have the chance of winning medals by trying their best.

“To get to know new people and learn different things is fun,” Rob said.

Dale said it would be great for all the athletes to visit Semaphore for next year’s games.

“Most of the guys would not have seen the beach there before,” he said.