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Desert Highlander

The Desert Highlander
Newsletter for

MARCH 2024
is now on-line

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Newsletter Editor
Iain Lundy



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The Caledonian Society
of Arizona

P.O. Box 50092
Phoenix, AZ 85076



Scottish Games : Athletics

Scottish Games: Athletics
All of the competitors and crew in the Athletics area would like to offer our thanks to everyone who has come out i the past to support and cheer us on at the event. The weather couldn’t have been any better! The energy and enthusiasm that surrounded us was amazing!


History of the Athletic Events

The tradition of the athletic competition goes back to the days when rival clans or kings would meet. Some believe competitions were organized to keep down the brawling and “street fighting”, to impress one’s rivals with displays of strength and skill and to gain honor and prestige. Others believe that they are the tests that were required of squires and other recruits before they were tested in battle.

The games came to America with the immigrants, but today the competition is between individuals and not clans. Many of the various athletic strength and skill requirements are the same as those that were required to successfully win a battle against a fortified position, whether it was a Roman night camp or a walled city.

In modern times, the weights became standardized and will vary depending on which class and event that the athlete competes in. Below is a description of the different events that you will see at our competition.

The events are broken down into six categories:.

Weight Over Bar

The objective is to toss the weight up and over a cross bar. The weight has a ring handle attached so that, using only one hand, the weight may be swung between the knees and tossed over the bar.

The weight may also be thrown using a spin technique if allowed by the Athletic Director. Three attempts are allowed at each height. If there are three misses at a height, the competitor is out of the competition.

Weight Over Bar
 
Weight Toss for Distance

A ring or D handle is attached to the weight by a chain for an overall length of 18”. The weight is thrown one-handed from behind a trig with a 9’ run-up allowed. Athletes are allowed three attempts. Any style may be used, with the most efficient being to spin like a discus thrower.

Weight for Distance
Hammer Throw

The original hammer used in Scotland was that used by the men in quarries mining granite. In America, initially it was the heavy, long-handled blacksmith’s hammer.

Today the hammerhead is round and made of metal. The handle is made of cane (or PVC pipe) with an overall length of 50”. This event inspired the Olympic hammer.

Hammer Throw
Braemar (Standing) Stone Put

The Braemar Stone Put has an ancient and easy to identify history. It was common practice for early Highland Chieftains to have a large stone outside their gatepost and challenges of strength and endurance were easily made to a visiting clan and its “heavy” warriors. There is also an open stone event that allows movement in the throwing area similar to the Olympic shot put.

Braemar Stone
 
Caber

The tossing of the caber (pole, rafter or tree) is probably the most famous of the Scottish athletic events. One of the most traditional - dating from the 16th century - it may have begun as a method to breach fortifications and barriers. It is definitely one of the most spectacular events - measuring strength, balance, timing and accuracy. The caber is thrown for accuracy as if the thrower is facing the 12:00 position on a clock face. The caber must pass through 90 degrees and fall away from the athlete to be considered a turn.

Caber

Sheaf

The sheaf is a burlap bag stuffed with rope, straw, or mulch. It is tossed over a cross bar with a pitch fork. Three and two tined forks are allowed for the competition. Three attempts are allowed at each height. If there are three misses at a height, the competitor is out of the competition.
 

Sheaf
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As the Caledonian Society prepares for our next Phoenix Scottish Games, we look forward to having you watch and support our athletes compete over the two days of competition.

We wish to thank all of the sponsors that help to make these games great for the athletes, as well as all of the spectators that come out to cheer us on! Please be sure to support them, as they support us, throughout the year.  

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