The Highlands of Durham Games

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Highland Games
P.O. Box 964,
Uxbridge, ON
L9P 1N3

Can-Am Open Invitational
2-Day Event Structure

2008 Dates TBA

Commence: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.- Break for Opening Ceremonies.

17 lb. Open Stone Putt,

56 WFD

Resume: following Opening Ceremonies- 1:30 pm

22 lb Hammer

Open Caber

56 WFH.

In addition we will run a Strong Person Event: The Durham Drag

2nd Day

Commence: 11:30 a.m.

20# Braemar Stone

Break for opening Ceremonies (12:15 p.m.)

Athletes to participate in Opening Ceremonies
Lunch Provided for Athletes /Ceremonial Caber Toss.

Afternoon session:

28 WFD

Challenge Caber

16lb. Sheaf

About the Events

Tossing The Caber
The origin of this most traditional of Scottish athletic events is somewhat obscure, even though records of its existence (ye tossing to ye bar) date back to the 16th century. It may have begun in the Scottish Highlands a long time ago when the forest was cleared to make fields. Small streams ran through the area and in order to cross these streams without getting their feet wet, the men would cut a tree and toss it end over end, hoping it would land with one end on each bank. This tree would then be used as a bridge to cross over the stream. Those who could not toss their caber perfectly had to work with wet feet all day which created a real incentive to perfecting the art of tossing the caber correctly the first time.

The modern caber toss measures strength, accuracy and skill. The object of the contest is to toss the 100 to 120 pound, 18-19 foot long caber (pole) end-over-end so that it lands with the bottom, or small end pointing directly away from the contestant. The athlete with the straightest toss (closest to the 12 o’clock position) is the winner. Distance has no bearing on the outcome of the event at all. Three tosses are allowed and all three are scored to determine the winner.

Hammer Throw
The hammer throw was started by the local blacksmiths in Scotland. Once a test of skill and strength, it developed into a contest of distance and accuracy. Similar to horse shoes, points are awarded for hitting the peg or landing close. This event is a popular test of strength and skill. The 4'22" long hammer weighing 16-22 pounds is thrown for distance. Three throws are allowed but only the longest throw wins. If any part of the body crosses the toe board, a foul is declared and the throw nullified

Stone Toss
The Stone Toss (Clachneart) is a test of strength and coordination going back some 1000 years in history. The stone weighs 16 lbs., is 7 3/4" in diameter, and is thrown like today's shot put, which was derived from the clachneart. Each contest is allowed three throws for distance.

Weight Throw
The 28 and 56 pound weights are thrown for distance. Three throws with each are allowed but only the longest throw wins. If any part of the body crosses the toe board, a foul is declared and the throw nullified.

Weight Toss
The 14-25 pound sheaf of hay, wrapped in burlap, is tossed by pitchfork over a crossbar suspended by ropes between two tall upright poles. Three throws are allowed for each height of crossbar, which is raised six inches at a time. Failure to successfully toss the sheaf over the bar at least one time at any successive height eliminates the contestant.

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