Legend of basketball Kieron to be chieftain
A Stirling Olympian has been handed the role of chieftain at this year’s Stirling Highland Games.
Basketball star Kieron Achara, will lead the procession at the popular summer event.
The 6ft 10in Glasgow Rocks forward will return to his home city for the game on August 17, at Stirling Sports Village – organised again by Forth Valley Social Enterprise (FVSE)
The chieftain is chosen by the Stirling Highland Games committee from a list of the area’s famous sons or daughters.
A delighted Kieron said: “It was an honour to be considered for this role in my home town and I was delighted to accept.
“I met Matt McGrandles (event organiser) late last year to talk it through and was even more interested to hear about the work FVSE do in the community for young people and how it’s linked to this great event.
“I’m passionate about sport which I believe can positively impact lives and I feel privileged to be part of it and look forward to seeing everyone on August 17.”
Kieron made his senior international debut for Scotland aged just 16 and has gone on to captain both Scotland and GB, and starred at the London Olympics in 2012.
He retired from International Basketball in November but is still immersed in the sport as a development professional and has recently joined the board of Rocks in the Community CIC.
FVSE board member and Chieftains Gathering convenor, Catriona Cripps, said: “It’s an exciting moment when we sit down to look at the amazing talent we have here in Stirling.
“When we heard about his own project, Rocks in the Community CIC, which helps to change people’s lives through basketball, we knew we had selected a great chieftain.”
The first Stirling Highland Games was held at Wellgreen in 1870, some 149 years ago, with 4000 people attending.
Around 5500 spectators turned out for last years event, at which Bad Girls actress, Simone Lahbib, served as chieftain.