Origins
The competitors in highland games carry out traditions dating back to the eleventh century and perhaps even earlier. They were originally men who participated in acts showing off their manhood, using items that were found commonly in the Scottish Highlands, such as stones or logs. The Braemar Gathering claims to be the first recorded Highland Games. King Malcolm tested the athletes in a hill race in order to choose a messenger who was not only physically fit, but also quick. Thus the Highland Games were born, and other events were added throughout time as tests of the athletes’ strength and speed. The first formally organized and annual gathering dates back to around 1820.
Scottish Societies also sprung up around the United States in the 1820s. The first to hold Highland Games in the US held them in 1836. The members, mostly immigrants, competed in the sports to remind them of their native land and customs.
Read more about this topic: Highland Games Competitors
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