THE HIGHLAND GAMES
THE ACF HIGHLAND GAMES
For adults that would like to compete contact: Mike Baab at mikebaab@yahoo.com.
These "Heavy Games" bring out area warriors to compete in feats of strength. Led by World Champion Highland Athlete, Mike Baab, the competition starts at the beginning of the festival each day and runs all afternoon. Competition includes Men's, Ladies's and Children's (on Saturday only) categories.
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Adult Categories include:
Masters
Light Weights
Ladies
and Open
Challenges include:
Braemar
Open Stone
Caber Toss
Weight over Bar
Strongman Competitions.
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For adults that would like to compete contact: Mike Baab at mikebaab@yahoo.com.
HISTORY OF THE HIGHLAND GAMES
It's said the Highland Games originate from the Ireland of 2000 BC, which would pip the Greeks to the competitive post, and that they crossed the water to Scotland with the fourth and fifth century migrations of the Scotti into Dalriada (Argyll) and beyond. The Heavy Sports or Highland Games can be more exactly traced as far back as Scotland's King Malcolm Canmore's search for the Highland's greatest warriors some 900 years ago and further back to the Irish book on Leinster from the 12th Century. This makes the Games one of the oldest competitive sports tradition in the world.
The games in Scotland grew in number and popularity throughout the centuries, but received a mortal blow with the Act of Proscription in 1746 which followed the unsuccessful rebellion of 1745. This act outlawed Scottish customs, dress and gatherings. But, eventually the games began anew and the largest one is now the Braemar Gathering.
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The first Highland games in the United States occurred when the Highland Society of New York held its 'first sportive meeting' in 1836. Many US events focus on weight trails whereas games in Scotland offer a wider range of athlete events including track and field, pole vault, even swimming.
The Austin Highland Games center on tests of strengths and those challenges that our space and time allow, giving it is own Austin flair. - EDM