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Ceres set for historic occasion writes Shane Fenton
CERES ALL SET FOR HISTORIC OCCASION
preview by Shane Fenton
The Ceres Highland Games in Fife are getting on their marks to celebrate their 700th anniversary this Saturday[28th June]. It is sure to be an historic occasion with the games held in honour of the brave men of Ceres who fought at Bannockburn.
When King Robert the Bruce led his army to that famous victory over the English at Bannockburn on June 24th 1314, among the most valiant fighters were the men from Ceres, one of them was Sir Robert Keith who led one of the divisions of 500 foot and horsemen.
For the part played by the men of Ceres in this, the most decisive battle in the history of the Scottish nation, King Robert the Bruce granted the village a charter to hold a market and fair.
The men of Ceres on returning from Bannockburn celebrated with revelry and competition on the Bow Butts thus establishing a Games meeting still maintained today as Ceres Highland Games.
Earlier this week a delegation from Ceres including present day committee members re-traced the footsteps of their fellow villagers of 700 years prior and marched from Bannockburn to Ceres.
There is always a great atmosphere and a big crowd to watch the events which all take place within the confines of a tight 200 metres circuit. It is always a popular meeting for the athletes and cyclists. The athletes have races over 90m, 200m, 1600m and 3000m all handicaps, and also, to celebrate the occasion a 700 metres race.
Earlier this year the SHGA approached the Games committee if they would be interested in running a one-off 700 metres SHGA Championship footrace to commemorate the anniversary and the committee were more than happy to include the race in their programme with the SHGA putting up a special Commemorative medal to the race winner.
The heavy event competitions are the highlight for many, because of the tight confines there is no hammer throwing this however doesn't detract from the quality of the athletes who take part. Last year Bruce Robb, Lukasz Wenta and Lorne Colthard thrilled the crowds.
The games are the oldest free games in Scotland.
For full details check out the games website at
http://www.ceresgames.co.uk/events.html
Published: 2014-06-26 21:47:44
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