PALS Panthers at Tri State Games: A proud tradition

For nearly thirty years, the PALS Panthers have been a proud part of one of the most celebrated inclusive sporting events in the country, the Tri State Games.

Held every year and bringing together athletes from Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, the Tri State Games is much more than a sporting competition. It's a celebration of teamwork, confidence, physical activity, and the power of community. These are all values that sit at the heart of everything PALS does.

The Panthers' participation in the Games stretches back 25 to 30 years, and is a tradition that started when PALS was formally established in 2011. For many of those years, Val Wakefield was instrumental in the planning, preparation, and organisation of the Panthers' involvement, dedicating her energy to the Games even before PALS officially existed!

When Val retired, the legendary Gary Pizzini stepped up to carry the baton, making sure the Panthers remained an active and committed presence at Tri States each year.

PALS Panther milestones

The journey has brought some truly memorable milestones. In 2019, the PALS Panthers placed equal first and winning the Shield for the very first time (pictured).

Then in 2022 and 2023, the Tri State Games came to the Moira Shire, with Cobram Barooga proudly hosting the event right in our own community.

In 2023, the Panthers rose to the occasion once again, placing equal and taking out the Shield in front of their home crowd, a moment the whole PALS community celebrated.

Want to be part of Tri States in 2026?

It's a legacy built on dedication, heart, and the joy of sport and it's still going strong. We're putting together the PALS Panthers team for the 2026 Tri State Games and would love to have you involved.

Whether you're a returning athlete or keen to join for the first time, click here to express your interest today!