Junior athletics at Argyll’s Highland Games

THE HIGHLAND Games season is under way in Argyll, with Luss Games the first on July 2.

Next on the programme is Inveraray on Tuesday July 19, followed by Mull Games at Tobermory on Thursday July 21.

Taynuilt and Southend, an evening event, are both on Saturday July 23 and Oban Games take place on Thursday August 25.

Several junior track and field events are being held to encourage more local young athletes to take part. This applies to the Highland Games in Argyll which are affiliated to the Scottish Highland Games Association [SHGA].

Junior events will be held at Inveraray, Mull and Oban with separate events for boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 16.

The events are 90 metres, 600 metres, high jump, long jump and shot putt with the two track races being on a handicap basis according to age and ability.

There will be an overall junior championship with points awarded over the series of three games. Trophies will be presented to the top boy and girl at Oban Games on the August 25.

Prize money will be an added incentive at each of the three Highland Games.

As well as the junior events at the three SHGA games, there is a full programme of senior events – 16 years and over – in two categories with local events confined to athletes born or resident in Argyll and open events.

To compete in the open events, athletes will have to register with the Scottish Highland Games Association for the day or for the season.

Junior athletes at Inveraray Games on Tuesday July 19 should enter on the field between 10am and 10.30am with the first event likely to start at 10.45am.

A similar start time will apply at the Mull Games two days later with competitors advised to travel on the first ferry from Oban at 7.45am.

Further information on the junior events at Inveraray, Mull and Oban can be obtained by contacting Bill MacCallum on 01546 602664.