Training day for budding heavyweights
Heavyweight athletes will be putting their backs into training the next generation of caber tossers at a coaching event next month in Crieff.
Perthshire Highland Games Association (PHGA), in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA) and Crieff Highland Gathering (CHG), are planning a heavyweight training day – which will be free to attend – as an introduction to Highland Games throwing events for budding junior and adult athletes.
It is to be held at Market Park Crieff on Sunday, April 24, with a number of experienced heavyweight athletes coaching on the day.
The course will take the form of an introductory safety talk followed by a demonstration of the various Highland Games disciplines.
Trainees can be anyone over the age of 12.
Organisers have said they will take part in throwing activities, including learning how to approach the iconic caber toss.
It has been designed to give the attendees an insight into the basics of a Highland Games heavyweight event.
PHGA chair Ian Stewart, a well-known figure in Crieff, said:“We at the PHGA at delighted to partner with RSHGA and CHG to organise this fantastic event.
“It is vital as an organisation that we are proactive in encouraging junior and adult athletes into Highland Games and provide assistance and support such as this training day.
“The objective is to introduce athletes into Highland Games and on this occasion, heavyweight throwing events, with the hope that many will continue with their training and ultimately compete at Highland Games in the future.”
The course will run from 10am to 3pm and will include a light lunch. Numbers will be limited. Anyone wishing to take part is asked to contact Ian Stewart or RSHGA secretary Ian Grieve at ianstewartcrieff@gmail. com or ian.grieve@rshga. org.
This is just the first of many announcements the PHGA is planning as members look forward to a return to Highland Games action.
The first local event of the year is in Blackford on Saturday, May 28.