Bumps, bruises and a whole lot of fun at 2023 Active Colour Games in Albany Hills

There were plenty of laughs and smiles in between some tough challenges during the 2023 Active Colour Games at the weekend. For the third year running, participants ready to challenge themselves against more than 30 obstacles across a 1.3km course descended on a picturesque Torbay property for the Active Games. This year’s event attracted 57 teams of two competing in men’s, women’s and mixed categories on Sunday afternoon. Organiser Boyd Rae said the games were “especially competitive” in the men’s division, won by Shackley Jnrs over Grayson for Mayor. Both teams managed to break the 10-minute barrier for a lap of the course. “The winner took it out by four seconds on their last run,” Mr Rae said. “They came in hot and it all came down to having to lasso a horse head. “The whole crowd was cheering and as soon as they stepped over the line the time came up on the display, and they got them by four seconds.” A change in rules this year allowed teams a break between ending one lap and starting their next. Mr Rae said it was part of helping ensure the event catered for those who wanted to be competitive “as well as those that are about having a really good time”. Prizes were also awarded to Jemma Smith and Cliodhna Ni Mhaoileoin for best dressed in their cow costumes, while Jack Markovs and Bridget Joyce were close runners-up for their bush-chook-inspired costumes. “The real defining factor in that was that they kept their full outfit on while they competed, whereas the bush chooks took off their tails and stuff like that,” Mr Rae said. “It was massive dedication and we loved it.” This year’s event also saw the introduction of a colour run across the course obstacles in a more relaxed morning setting. Mr Rae said he was keen for as many to be involved as possible by either tackling the course or taking turns shooting colour at people. “We made it quite inclusive for the crowd as well so that they could be shooting colour at people,” he said. “It was nice that they could go at their own pace. “Some did up to six laps, others did two and were happy with that.” Mr Rae thanked Ace Camera Club for their time volunteering at the event and said galleries of photos would be available on the event’s social media pages, along with results from the day. Money raised through event registrations will go towards Active Farmers’ support of mental health and wellbeing in farming communities. “There has been nothing but positive feedback so far,” Mr Rae said. “I got an email from one lady getting around the fact there was an event on that still had that aspect of adventurous play. “There were definitely a lot of bumps and bruises and all that stuff, but they were matched by the smiles and laughs.”