Why Did The Scotland Games Come To Texas

The Highland Games Come to Texas

Nicollette Muller- nfm276

Kinesiology 349

Professor Beckwith

May 13, 2015

In the faraway hills of Scotland there lies a rich history that continues to live and thrive today throughout the world with the Highland Games. The game’s origin is uncertain with a variety of stories on how the games truly came to be. Some say it dates back to George IV’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822, where a society fundraiser was held to relieve the poor by promoting physical activity , while others say it all started with a footrace. In spite of what truly enacted the games, they have maintained their popularity through the centuries. Today, there are over 200 games in the United States, Canada, and the U.K. The

Just as in Scotland, the attire of the competitors in Texas is a kilt. It is quite unusual to see massive men performing quite extraordinary athletic feats while wearing a kilt and cleats. Not everyone in Texas is used to seeing a grown man in a kilt throw a tree halfway across a field. Interesting, too, men and women participate in the dancing events. Dances such as the Hornpipe are customary to Scotland and are considered to be one of the national dances. Each dance that is performed at the games has historical meaning and value. Dancing actually used to be part of the athletic events. The dances were often rigorous and grueling solo performances done by men who were in tremendous physical shape. Today, there are five dances that people partake in: the Highland Fling, Hornpipe, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, and the Lilt. Of the five dances the Highland Fling is the oldest dance of Scotland. The dance represents a triumph in combat and the dancer performs with a shield called a “Targe .” Dances like these uphold the Scottish heritage even though the participants are living all the way in

Texas has 5K’s, 10K’s, and marathons at least once a month but Highland Games are usually only celebrated annually in select cities around Texas. The infrequency of the Highland Games in Texas allows them to be more sought out and better appreciated. Scottish people in Texas will value their time spent celebrating their heritage more, by having only specific times throughout the year where they meet. Through vendors coming all the way from Scotland, competitors coming from cities all around, and spectators coming to either celebrate their customs or merely learn more about how this event came to Texas, the Highland Games in Texas bring people together just as they continue to do in Scotland. Scott W. Fisher talks about how he spends his time at the games in saying: “I don't get a chance to watch too many of the events as we, the Society members who "man" our tent at such events, are always busy talking to festival goers about "being Scottish” .” Indeed, these games in Texas are bringing curiosity and popularity to the sport and to the