Teachers to flock to 25th games

Bellaire Primary School Teachers Maddy McDonald and Scott Canny with Mayor Peter Murrihy. (Mitchell Dye)

Education staff from across the state will flock to Geelong next month for the 25th annual Victorian Teachers’ Games.

Around 2000 teachers will take part in the games, which run from Sunday 18 to Wednesday 21 September and can select from more than 140 sporting, wellness and social events across the four days including netball, lawn bowls, laser skirmish, dodgeball, archery, stand-up paddle boarding, an Amazing Race and more.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria’s teaching and support staff have gone to incredible lengths to help students keep learning,” City of Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said.

“It’s been a challenging time in the classroom, so this is a great opportunity to thank Victorian educators.

“The games give school staff the opportunity to connect with their peers, unwind after a challenging couple of years, and be inspired to make physical activity a part of their lives.”

Teacher Maddy McDonald from Bellaire Primary School in Highton said she was looking forward to taking part in the lawn bowls and other social events.

“The games are a fun way to stay active and meet other teachers from across Victoria,” she said.

“It’s a great way to unwind from work and have some fun with friends in such a beautiful part of the world.”

Major Events Chair councillor Ron Nelson said major events such as the Victorian Teachers’ Games provide flow on benefits for cafes, hotels, bars and clubs across Geelong.

“The games are a great way for teachers to kickstart their September school holidays, so please stick around and enjoy everything there is to see and do in Geelong and The Bellarine Peninsula,” Cr Nelson said.

“The average teacher is expected to stay three nights for the games which is a big boost for our local accommodation sector.

“The Games began in Geelong in 1996 so it’s fitting that after a two-year break due to the pandemic, the Games are returning to the place where it all began.”

Last-minute registration for the games close on Friday 19 August.

Visit victeachersgames.com.au/ for more information.