Inaugural Mallee Games share message of rural health

Registrations have already hit 100 for the inaugural Mallee Games, supported by regionally-based Active Farmers.

Active Farmers national events manager Jackie Elliott said the active games had been held for several years in WA and NSW but this was the first time they had been held in SA.

On Saturday, March 16, the 1.6 kilometre Pinnaroo & District Dirtbike track will be the site of teams from across SA and Victoria, tackling 15 obstacles, including a mud pit.

Ms Elliott said they were excited to have passed 100 registrations but were hopeful numbers would continue to rise.

Teams are expected to come from as far afield as Peterborough and Bridgewater, Vic, with representatives from footy teams, cricket clubs and families all getting involved.

Ms Elliott said the event was set up to be a full-day's entertainment with the course itself open from 10am to 1pm, while there was music afterwards at the footy club and camping also available.

"It's a fun environment while showing the good message of looking after your mental and physical health and being active in the community," she said.

Mallee Games committee member and Active Farmers instructor Bec Niejalke said it was great to see the way the community had embraced the event.

"We're not a big tourism destination to encouraging anyone to come to the Mallee and see what we've got hidden is cool," she said.

She said there was a good message behind the games, much of which had been designed to be done in pairs or a group.

"You can have a friend to help through the obstacles, and hopefully also do that in life during tough times," she said.

"Something like going over a hay bale might be easy for some or more difficult for others, but it's easier done together."

Ms Niejalke said the 15 obstacles had been designed by looking at what represented the Mallee - although she said the mud pit was a bit of an unusual sight in the area.