Creating new generation of heavyweight champs
Members of the volunteerled committee behind Blackford Highland Games are preparing to provide a platform for the next generation of heavyweight athletes to flourish.
This year’s annual showpiece is due to take place on the Recreation Ground on Saturday, May 27, and will be held for the 151st time.
And the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association ( RSHGA) recently announced that the village would be the venue for the Junior Heavyweight Championships for the next two years.
Geared towards those under the age of 18 years, participants will take part in four events – the 13lb shot put, 13lb hammer, 28lb weightfor-distance and the junior caber.
Honorary secretary David Robertson said: “It is vital that the next generation of heavyweight athletes is encouraged to compete.”
David added: “The junior competition comprises four events and, if the performance of our young athletes at last year’s Games is anything to go by, this year’s championship will be fiercely contested.”
Committee president Stuart Laing added: “The junior heavies coming to Blackford for two years is a great honour for us.
“The competition is important to all Scottish games as we must bring the youngsters into the discipline.
“This follows our successful competition last year and will hopefully provide the continuity needed to allow our next generation of heavy athletes the time and opportunity to develop their skills.”
A spokesperson for the RSHGA said that the Blackford event would be one of two new championships set to make their debut this year.
The association’s representative said: “The RSHGA is delighted to confirm that we have established two new RSHGA championships for 2023.
“There will be an heavyweight championship for under 18s, which will be held at Blackford Highland Games in May, and a Female Heavyweight Championship at North Berwick Highland Games in August.”
For more information, see the Blackford Highland Games website.