‘Sheer determination’ grows games
Like the kilts of William Wallace’s men, attendance at the Hororata Highland Games continues to lift thanks to community support.
The pipes played, knights battled and cabers were tossed as a celebration of all things Scottish hit Canterbury on Saturday.
More than 10,000 people made the trip to the Hororata Community Trust’s annual event.
Event manager Cindy Driscoll said about 200 of the town’s 500-odd residents volunteered.
‘‘There is so much passion and so much pride that comes from our community, and that’s why it’s so special.’’
Driscoll said the community needed something after the September 2010 earthquake damaged many of the district’s buildings, and the February 2011 quake shifted the focus to the city.
‘‘...Not just rebuild buildings, but to rebuild our community spirit and get our district moving again.’’
The games were the result. Ticket sales were up and competitions were at capacity with international competitors travelling for strongman competitions, she said.
‘‘We are now New Zealand’s biggest one-day highland dancing competition, which is massive.’’
Ashburton couple Luke and Lisa Sutton took their children, Lachlan, 7, and twins Rafe and Stephanie, 5, along.
Luke Sutton said he and the family made the most of the medieval section, where wood turner Scott Campbell made a children’s toy from an antique 17th century lathe and another man made chain mail.
Knights demonstrated swords and the family watched the bagpipe, caber toss and highland dancing competitions.
‘‘I’ve quite a strong Scottish heritage ... this gives the kids the opportunity to experience it and for us to get a little bit more involved.
‘‘Some of that stuff you wouldn’t get to see otherwise.’’