Wall, the special guest, and Worrall, the patron, were present as the Games’ opening ceremony march made its way down Manifold Street in Camperdown.

The Corangamite Shire is hosting the 31st Games, which feature 75 events covering a range of sports and recreation activities.

The schedule features well-known sports such as cricket, lawn bowls and shooting, while lesser-known inclusions are bridge and boccia.

South West Sport club development officer Mark Taylor yesterday said he was excited about the annual Games.

Taylor said a host of events had already gone ahead but there was still plenty for people to do.

Events on offer today include association croquet, surfing lesssons, women’s soccer and junior hockey in Warrnambool.

The 3 Bays Marathon in Portland highlights tomorrow’s schedule. Gateball at Terang, boccia at Hamilton and rifle shooting at Allansford will also be held.

“The special guest and patron will be journeying around sports on the weekend, starting off in Port Campbell tomorrow morning with surfing lessons and scuba diving,” Taylor said.

“We’d like to get around to sports for a number of reasons. One is to show our appreciation for the people putting the events on. But for me personally, the networking opportunities that the Games provide is fantastic.

“There are a couple of really good examples over the last couple of years where benefits have come to clubs directly.”

Forty-two groups took part in the opening ceremony, which featured the South West Games flag being raised on top of the Camperdown clocktower.

Councillor Kylie Gaston read a message of goodwill on behalf of the host of the 2012 Games, Warrnambool City Council.

Corangamite Shire mayor Chris O’Connor also spoke, while the Lakes and Craters Band provided a backdrop.

The opening ceremony dinner attracted about 140 people, including participants, sponsors and Wall and Worrall, who delivered speeches.