News Archive
MUSINGS FROM THE SHGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The annual general meeting of the association was held recently and quite a few points of relevance came up which will be of interest to competitors, individual games and supporters of games in general.
The Highland Games season will have it's earlist ever start in 2019, the long established Gourock Games had their application to join the association accepted and will take place at Battery Park on the 10th May. Any new Games applying to join must be vetted first by the SHGA, and earlier this year President Charlie Murray attended and gave a favourable report.
The SHGA introduced new leagues in 2019 to encourage more participation from female athletes. Figures show more did actually participate but not so to make all the leagues viable. In 2020 the Open women's running leagues will be cut from three to two, they will be for events up to 400 metres and over 400 metres. The women's jumps league will also be withdrawn. The two leagues for girls were a success and will be retained next season.
It is planned to stage a training day for heavyweight athletes possibly next Spring. The league for junior heavyweight competitors was also worthwhile and hopefully next season will see more participants at this level.
Chairman Charlie Murray voiced his concerns regards safety at some events during 2019 with two 'near misses' with hammers. It is of paramount importance that all games have good quality cages and have them properly erected.
The annual awards night in the Gilvenbank Hotel was a good night with most award winners and league winners in attendance. Stuart Hogg gave an encouraging talk and short Q and A session covering his years as an athlete and coach.
A new three year cycle of SHGA Championships will start in 2020, a few had multiple applications and a draw took place to decide who would be staging them. You can check out the full list on the previous news item.
A meeting is to be held in the Grampian region to discuss the future of Tug of War. Numbers taking part have been falling away in recent years.
Prior to the meeting starting a minutes silence was held in respect of the passing of several Highland Games stalwarts, Kenny Turner Athletics, Keith Allan a former SHGA Athlete of the Year, Sandy Herd Cycling, Bryan Calder Forfar Tug of War team, Bob Shepherd Piping, Willie Robertson and Bill Anderson MBE heavy events. The latter a true legend, and considered the ultimate competitor ever on the Highland Games circuit.
Published: 2019-11-07 21:06:59
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