Post by neil6147 on Jul 18, 2006 5:35:26 GMT 10
Young people need more encouragement to take part in Highland Games to prevent them dying out, according to the Scottish Games Association.
It has suggested setting up training camps and looking abroad to discover why games are so successful overseas but appear to be in decline here.
The Highland Games and Masters World Championships in Inverness next weekend have attracted up to 2,000 competitors.
But across the country there is concern for the future of other events.
Overseas experience
Games held in Canada and the USA regularly attract crowds of up to 50,000, and both countries boast year-round dedicated coaching in the sport and special Highland Games clubs.
The Scottish Games Association said organisers were facing difficulties because they fall in between the requirements for many funding bodies.
It also said that, apart from in a few areas, there has been a massive shortage of youngsters taking part.
One solution suggested is to establish training camps and to consult with overseas competitors to find out how things are run in their countries.
The Inverness games will see the World Masters Championships held in Europe for the first time.
It is the biggest Highland Games competition in the world and is contested by Heavies - taking part in the traditional events like tossing the caber - aged 40 and over.
The Scottish Games Association represents 60 Highland Games in Scotland and has several associate members overseas.
It has suggested setting up training camps and looking abroad to discover why games are so successful overseas but appear to be in decline here.
The Highland Games and Masters World Championships in Inverness next weekend have attracted up to 2,000 competitors.
But across the country there is concern for the future of other events.
Overseas experience
Games held in Canada and the USA regularly attract crowds of up to 50,000, and both countries boast year-round dedicated coaching in the sport and special Highland Games clubs.
The Scottish Games Association said organisers were facing difficulties because they fall in between the requirements for many funding bodies.
It also said that, apart from in a few areas, there has been a massive shortage of youngsters taking part.
One solution suggested is to establish training camps and to consult with overseas competitors to find out how things are run in their countries.
The Inverness games will see the World Masters Championships held in Europe for the first time.
It is the biggest Highland Games competition in the world and is contested by Heavies - taking part in the traditional events like tossing the caber - aged 40 and over.
The Scottish Games Association represents 60 Highland Games in Scotland and has several associate members overseas.