Highland Games major drawcard for Canterbury

More than 10,000 visitors, competitors and volunteers descended on Hororata for the 13th Highland Games. Photo / Kathryn Taylor

Boasting a population of just 230 people, the mid-Canterbury town of Hororata was swamped with visitors to the Highland Games at the weekend.

Featuring 700 competitors from 23 clans, 230 volunteers, 140 stallholders, and more than 10,000 visitors, the Games are a major highlight in the Canterbury event calendar.

Pull-Ins team compete in the tug-o-war. Photo / Kathryn Taylor

“I have witnessed the growth of the Hororata Highland Games into what can truly be described as a world-class festival in every aspect,” said Richard Lang, who has been involved in the event since its inception and was appointed the Chieftain at this year’s Games.

“It was humbling to see the joy this event brings to our community.”

Competitors take off for the kilted mile event. Photo / Kathryn Taylor

Competitors engaged in battle across traditional Caledonian pursuits such as tossing the caber, tug-o-war, hammer throwing and the kilted mile.

Liam Davidge is ecstatic after winning the kilted mile. Photo / Kathryn Taylor

The most hotly contested was the Oceania Heavyweight Championship, culminating in the Hororata Stones, where athletes race the clock to lift five stones weighing between 90kg and 140kg on to barrels.

For the fourth consecutive year, Australian Terry Sparkes claimed the title, narrowly beating Craig Manson of Ashburton. Kelly Drummond was victorious among the strongest women, claiming a record in the process.

Terry Sparkes competes in the hammer throw, one of the events for the Oceania heavyweight contest. Photo / Kathryn Taylor

Hororata also claims the largest gathering of pipe bands outside of the national championships in Aotearoa, with 19 bands with nearly 500 pipers and drummers joining together for an emotional performance of Amazing Grace during the Chieftain’s address.

Highland dancing at the Hororata Highland Games. Photo / John de Vries

In his address, Lang emphasised the importance of the Games to the community.

“This event embodies a true sense of community and purpose,” he said.

“It serves as a foundation for our community to build our future, with profits directed towards the Hororata Hall project and supporting 19 community groups involved in fundraising. The Hororata Community Trust is grateful for the support from our partners and suppliers who enable our community to stage the games.”

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