Elgin Park, Town of Uxbridge, Can-Am Invitational Championships,
25/26th July 2009.
Main Sponsor- Ontario Power Generation
The 2009’ Highlands of Durham Heavy Events are now completed.
Another spectacular 2 days of tossing and throwing heavy things around. From all reports each of the athletes had a great time, and both Amateurs and Pro’s set some pretty impressive ‘personal bests,’ and a couple field records fell along with the Sheaf Tossing Canadian Record.
A most impressive opening ceremony was held both days; but, Sunday 26th July 09, brought a downpour of rain on the Pipes and Drums which at times was so heavy it blurred the vision on the field. A river formed across the field, but to our Scottish determination no one left, accepting what the heavens had to offer. We were fortunate both days as we had no predominant rain during the morning and into the majority of the afternoon. The weather was perfect for throwing, (no injuries) and our spectators stayed with us all day enjoying each of the events yelling encouragement to their champions.
Ceremonial Caber throwers were last year’s champions; Pro:Will Barron, Syracuse New York, and Amateur Josh Kenny, London Ontario.
Check us out on Facebook . We will be using the internet to greater advantage over 2010, so check us out regularly, as we will be posting pics’ and upcoming attractions in the coming months..
Field Records that fell
Professionals:
16 lb. Hammer- Lyle Barron, Country Harbour, Nova Scotia- throw of 129’2”, previously held by Greg Hadley, Antigonish, Nova Scotia 129’-2008’Canadian Sheaf Tossing
Record fell: Markus Wand- Powassan, Ontario was in top form during this event. We had a NEW 20lb. sheaf prepared for this event, properly weighed and calibrated at the Canadian Post Offices on calibrated scales, witness: Rick Blair, Equipment Manager, (weight ticket is available at 21lb7oz.). One of the canvas bags was removed, and it should also be recorded the bag go damp/wet during the event which would have added some weight to the sheaf as well during the event.
The height was re-measured and witnessed at 34ft. by past Canadian Champion and Field Judge for this event, Big Dan Markovic, and was returned for final calibrated measurement Monday 27Jul 09 at Canada Poste calibrated scales, and the sheaf weighed in at 20lb.8oz.- (weigh ticket available,) New Canadian Field Record for Sheaf Toss, 34’ - well done Markus- to get better just throw with more determination and higher! I would like at this time to thank ‘Skyjack’of Uxbridge for the continued use of their equipment, it is invaluable to the efficiency of the putting on this event.
Amateurs:
56WFD: -Josh Kenny, London, Ontario-throw of 34’6’, previously held by Ian McNaughton-32’07” – 2004’
Overall Games Champions
Hotly contested! Winners were:
Professionals: Lyle Barron, Country Harbour, N.S., taking a clean sweep of all 6 events with a 1st place finish. The Sheaf was not included in the overall scoring.
Amateur Mens’ Division:
Dean Curtis, Guelph, Ontario, this race was won with 4 -1st place finishes, the deciding event being the sheaf toss at the end of the day, as he bested Josh Kenny the 2008 Overall Champion on the final toss of the afternoon. The audience went ecstatic making all the more gratifying for the athletes.
Women’s Division:
Won by Josee Morneau- Winnipeg, Manitoba for the 4-straight Games Champion 2006-2009’, with a clean sweep of all 7 events contested.
Durham Drag
Sponsored by- Durham Steam Cleaning of Uxbridge, Pres. Rick Blair; was won by Markus Wand, 207’.8”.
Challenge Caber:
Sponsored by Bodyfit- Fitness Centre, Town of Uxbridge, Pres. Andy Luukkonen; was won by, Lyle Barron, N.S. The stick was 25ft. long, nicely tapered, and GREEN and had to be cut twice before it could be turned.
Thank you to all the volunteers, Assistant Athletic Director Tim Ison, Equipment Managers Rick Blair and Andy Luukkonen, and Field Judge Dan Markovic, for giving of their time during the 2-day competition, without your contributions the games would not be as successful as they are.
As Athletic Director of the Highlands of Durham Games, thank you to all the competitors you are a class act! I look forward to 2010’ and another marvelous day enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes and yes-smells of all that our Scottish Cultural Heritage brings to us. Stay well and train SMART over the coming months, we look forward to seeing you back next year.
It was a GREAT and fitting manner to close off the day by throwing the Challenge Caber for the Pro’s with heavy weights and strange objects! Robert (Bob) Whitman, Athletic Director, Highlands of Durham Heavy Events rgwhitman@rogers.com
p.s.: if interested in being part of the Games as a competitor 2010’, I will take registrations immediately; first come first served.
I am looking to host a field of 8-10 persons in each of the divisions; Pros, Ama’s-Men and Women’s. Get your name in early so as not to be disappointed. The competition will be held the last weekend of July /10.
