Putting our weight behind training a new generation
The activities date back centuries but the spectacle remains a highlight of the traditional Scottish sporting summer.
And time is running out for budding young athletes to register their interest in a special training day in Crieff designed to help nurture the next generation of Highland Games heavyweight competitors on April 24.
The Strath capital’s Market Park will host the event led by experienced coaches and organised by Perthshire Highland Games Association ( PHGA) in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association ( RSHGA) and Crieff Highland Gathering (CHG).
The free showcase is designed to act as an introduction to Highland Games throwing events for junior and adult athletes.
The course will take the form of an introductory safety talk followed by a demonstration of the various disciplines.
Anyone over the age of 12 will then take part in throwing activities, including learning how to approach the iconic caber toss.
David Robertson is secretary of the Blackford Highland Games committee and said everyone connected to their upcoming event was also behind the idea.
He said: “It is an attempt to address the dire shortage of youngsters coming into the heavy events.
“Plans are well ahead and I believe they have over 15 youngsters from all over Scotland signed-up.
“All RSHGA members, including Blackford, fully support the venture and Blackford has been instrumental in recruiting some youngsters.”
Speaking previously, PHGA chair Ian Stewart, from 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 for this event will be limited.
Anyone wishing to take part is asked to contact RSHGA secretary Ian Grieve in advance via ian. grieve@rshga.org.
The RSHGA said this week that there were still a few places remaining but stressed the importance of anyone interested booking ahead of the day itself.