
This
summer, as the Commonwealth countries prepare for the 2014 Games in Glasgow
Scotland, Bermuda will be hosting games of a different origin. On Saturday 15th
June at Saltus Playing Field in Pembroke, there will be a competition to see
who can toss a long heavy wooden pole as accurately as possible, to see who can
complete a 5K obstacle course in the shortest time and to determine which tug
o’ war team is the strongest.
In
other words, the Caledonian Society of Bermuda is pleased to announce it will
be holding its 2nd Annual Highland Games, which, in addition to a
host of ‘field’ events will include Highland dancing competitions and bag
piping demonstrations. Special guests at the games will be the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police Pipe Band H Division and their Dancers. In addition we are
delighted to welcome the Schiehallion Dancers from Hamilton, Ontario and the
Mackenzie School of Dance from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The
Caledonian Society of Bermuda in conjunction with the Bermuda Island Pipe Band
and Highland Dancers will be hosting the event, supported by the Bermuda
Regiment. Also taking part will be the North Village Band and the Somerset
Brigade Band. From the feedback we received from the 1st games held
last June, the organisers believe the Games, entertaining and
highly colourful, will be well-received by residents and visitors alike.
This
is very much a family event, and there will be contests in which members of the
public will be invited to participate. Among these will be the 50m dash for
adults and children. The ‘kilted dash’, for runners wearing kilts, should prove
particularly spectacular. So be sure to bring your running shoes with you.
There
will also be a great deal of activity to appeal to spectators. The Highland
dancing competition will run throughout the day, punctuated by demonstrations
put on by the highly skilled pipers and dancers from Bermuda and overseas.
This
event would not be possible without the support of our major sponsors. We would
like to take this opportunity to thank the Bermuda Department of Tourism,
Hiscox Bermuda, BELCO, Jardine Matheson and Goslings. Our host hotel is the
Fairmont Hamilton Princess which is offering a great rate for any overseas
visitors.
Preceding
the Games earlier in the week will be school visits by some of the pipe band
and dance members, participation at the Beat Retreat on the Monday at Dockyard
and Harbour Night on the Wednesday in Hamilton and a special performance by the
RCMP Pipe Band at the Fairmont Hamilton Friday Happy Hour followed by a
traditional scottish Ceilidh.
Caledonian
Society of Bermuda President, Scott Devine said, “As president of the
Caledonian Society I’m delighted to announce the 2nd Bermuda
Highland Games. The society has worked long and hard to promote all things
Scottish in Bermuda and the Highland Games is the ultimate Scottish event. We look forward to welcoming the entire
island to Saltus Field to sample traditional Scottish food and games, like
tossing the caber, tug o’ war, musical displays and highland dancing competitions. The whole event will run alongside the visit
to the island of the RCMP H Division who will also be accompanying the Bermuda
Regiment in the Queen’s Birthday Parade which will be held earlier that day. The
day is shaping up to be a great spectacle and lots of fun for the entire
family. We hope people will come out and enjoy a great day of fun, games and
all things Scottish”.
Food
and drink, with a distinctly Scottish influence, will be available for purchase
at a number of different food stalls, with a ‘kiddie land’ for younger members
of the family.
With
an admission price of $5 per adult and children under 12 years free, this will
be an inexpensive way for families to enjoy healthy exercise and build a sense
of community.
Events
begin at 2.30pm with a spectacular Parade from City Hall to Saltus Field and
will continue into the evening, with closing ceremonies planned to start at
8.30pm which will include a display by the Schiehallion Dancers then a march
past by the participating bands.
For
further information see our web site www.caledoniansocietyofbermuda.com or to become a sponsor or to purchase
corporate hospitality passes please contact our Event Planner Elizabeth Ward of
Executive Choice Bermuda at emw@ecbermuda.com
or call 704 0631
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For more information, to arrange interviews or to arrange
for Press Passes to the Games please contact:
Elizabeth M. Ward 704-0631 emw@ecbermuda.com