Welcome to the 2009 Lewis Highland Games
The 2009 Lewis Highland Games Games will take place on Saturday 18th July.
2008 saw the Lewis Highland Games hosting for the first time a living medieval village. Visitors witnessed and experienced first hand activities that brings our Scottish history to life including medieval cooking, costumes, dwellings and weaponry. The visiting Historical Re-enactment Society also provided combat displays and invited young people to join in - which they promptly did with great gusto!.
Another first in 2008 was the introduction of a junior heavy events competition. During the school team leading up to Games, the local Active Schools team ran some sessions which introduced young people to the various traditional heavy event disciplines and so they were well prepared to participate on the day. The aim is to continue the Junior Heavy Events as a regular feature on the Games calendar.
The one disappointment in 2008 was that the proposed free fall parachute display by the Royal Regiment of Scotland Golden Lions was cancelled at the last minute due to technical problems - however the good news is that they have confirmed that they will be attending this year instead.
The traditional elements of the Games included a very competitive and highly subscribed Highland Dancing Competition, Heavy events Piping Competition and Field and Athletic competition. Participation in the Field and Athletics event has been growing over the last few years, particularly amongst the younger visitors to the Games. This event is organised by Tony Wade, husband of Commonwealth Champion Kirsty Wade, along with the Active Schools team and the Local Authority Sports Development Officer.
Visitors refreshed themselves in the beer tent or treated themselves to a real Lewis Burger from the BBQ. Local charity and craft stalls provided interesting and reasonable priced souvenirs and gifts.For children there were slides, bouncy castles, funfair and candy floss.
The programme for the 2009 event includes, Golden Lions Parachute display, Police Dog Handlers, Sheep dog handler, Street Entertainers, Children's 'Homecoming' Parade, Vintage Car display; athletics, heavy events, piping and highland dancing competitions.
As 2009 has been designated by the Scottish Government as the year of Homecoming Scotland the aim is to make the event a special one and we look forward to seeing lots of new visitors and to welcoming back old friends for another great day in Tong.
