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Check out traditional Scottish sports at the Glengarry Highland Games

Submitted by sportseditor on 30 July 2009 - 5:15pm

The sporting side of the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville this weekend features traditional Scottish Heavyweight events throughout both days of the event.  Spectators can watch such things as the stone throw, weight for distance, weight for height, hammer throw, sheaf toss, and caber all taking place on the infield in front of the grandstand.

On Friday, the amateurs start things off at 8 a.m., with the field scheduled to include Glengarry competitors Lyndon MacNaughton, Ron Graham, Paul Bouffard, Hamish MacDonell, and Jason Baines (the defending champion), along with Vankleek Hill's Stuart MacLaren, Dale MacDonald, and Steve Rutherford. 

The professional women's division follows at 9 a.m. and will include last year's champion Mindy Pockoski from Las Vegas and a previous five-time champion in Maxville, Winnipeg's Josee Morneau.  Representing Glengarry will be Tiffany DiRico and Lisa MacDonald, along with former Glengarrians Laura Ruesser and Kristy Kennedy.

Friday afternoon, the masters take over the infield with Alexandria's Lee MacKinnon carrying the flag for the county. Two past champions - Berle Conrad and Mark Palmer - are also scheduled to compete.

Festivities on day one conclude with the farmer's walk, an event that has competitors carry a 195-pound weight in each hand around an oblong course, the goal being to walk as far as possible with the load.

The Professionals

Saturday's main event on the infield will be the open professionals, which this year will include a competitor with Glengarry roots, Ian McNaughton, who currently lives and works in Texas.  Last year's champ, Greg Hadley of Nova Scotia, is also back for another crack at the title.

The Junior Heavyweights

For families, Saturday morning offers an opportunity for youngsters to experience modified versions of the heavyweight events.  Activities are open to kids from ages 3 through 12 with registration behind the Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame building beginning at 9 a.m.  Highland attire is encouraged, and parent supervision is requested.