General News
18 June, 2026
Local youth shine at State Games
The next Warracknabeal youth group may be a bit brighter after several members came home with some silverware.
Several members attended the State Youth Games, an annual event in Warragul run by Churches of Christ Vic/Tas for church groups and youth organisations across Victoria.
Dubbed the ‘Christian Olympics’, youth group leader Issac McPherson said the Warracknabeal participants were on cloud nine after winning this year’s games.
“Everyone was ecstatic,” he said.
“One church group had a six-year win streak, but we managed to knock them off.”
About 3000 participants aged 13 to 29 attended this year’s games.
Around 10 local youth from Warracknabeal, Donald, Lah, and Brim joined team KFC (Keep Following Christ).
“We had about 145 people in our team, 171 when you include helpers,” Mr McPherson said.
“Each participant plays four sports across the long weekend, including soccer, basketball, footy, netball, plus also bocce, European handball and even eSports.
“Local Warrack Eagles footballer Sem Kuzamba won all four of his sports.”
Mr McPherson explained that, unlike many competitions that base awards on average scores per participant, the State Youth Games recognize the team with the highest overall score.
“It’s a pretty cool feeling to beat the bigger teams,” he said.
“When our youth group comes together next Wednesday, we’ll have a few stories to tell.”
The KFC (Keep Following Christ) Youth Group meets every second Wednesday during the school term at Warracknabeal Uniting Church.
“It’s a safe space for our local youth to come together,” Mr McPherson said.
The State Youth Games have been running since 1990.
For more information, visit https://stateyouthgames.com/vic/for-groups.
