MORE than 1500 students and team officials gathered in Ballarat, Victoria, for the School Sport Australia Games (SSAG) 2025 which ran from Saturday, October 25 to Saturday, November 1.

This unique, multisport event celebrated achievements and competition in 15 venues across the city, in sports including cricket, soccer, golf, netball, swimming, tennis, and touch football.

Swan Valley Anglican Community School student Cooper Chilman represented the WA cricket team, which won the final against South Australia with a score of 2/104 to  6/102, and coming 3rd overall on the ladder.

In touch football, the WA boys’ team, including Malakai Clinch from La Salle College and Dehkal Whitfield from Swan View Senior High School, alongside the WA girls’ team, including Mackenzie Williams from Guildford Grammar and Rita Wilson from La Salle College, both secured bronze medals.

The soccer competition was also held, with the WA girls’ team, represented by Kara Hall from Aveley Primary School, Niamh Moynihan from Eden Hill Primary School, and Kiana Robati from Malvern Springs Primary School, narrowly missing the finals in a 1-2 loss to Queensland.

Aveley Secondary College student Michael Salumu from the WA boys’ soccer team also missed out in round four, losing 2-3 to Queensland.

In netball, Bianca Hunter from Eastern Hills Senior High School and Aaliyah Winter from Swan Christian College represented the Under 12 WA team, which finished 5th overall after losing their final game to Queensland 15-17

The under 12 boys’ team, with Asher Silva from St Michael’s School, finished 6th after losing a tight final game to South Australia, 20-21.

Finally, in swimming, Max Borland from Guildford Grammar School placed 9th in the 200m freestyle relay, and Ellie Skinner from Mundaring Christian College achieved 18th in the 100m breaststroke.

A representative of School Sports Western Australia, the association behind the WA teams who participated, said they were proud of all the competitors regardless of winning or losing.

“Each team showcased some awesome teamwork, skills and passion to earn themselves amazing achievements” they said.

“It has been a trying, challenging, and rewarding experience all in one.

“Listening, learning, growing, laughing… it’s all part of the interstate team experience.

“We hope that all of WA’s touring athletes had a fantastic time at this year’s SSAG.”