World Female Heavy Events Championship to be held at Highland Games in Scotland for the first time at Glenurquhart event
Glenurquhart Highland Games will make history later this year as the first Scottish hosts of the World Female Heavy Events Championships.
The annual Highland Games will take place on Saturday, August 23 this year on the shores of Loch Ness in Drumnadrochit.
It will be the first time that female athletes step on to the world stage of Highland heavy events, a recognition of the growing presence women are having in strength sports across the world.
The championship will feature up to 12 elite international competitors, who will battle it out in traditional events like weight for distance, weight over the bar, Scot’s hammer, shot putt and the iconic caber toss.
Applications are now open for qualified female athletes, with the first round of entries closing on Tuesday, July 1.
“We’re proud to be making history in Glenurquhart,” said Duncan Overmeer, secretary of the Glenurquhart Highland Games.
“The addition of a world championship for female athletes reflects the direction Highland Games are heading – celebrating inclusion and equality while honouring our heritage.
“It’s a powerful message to the next generation of athletes and an exciting moment for our local and international community.”
The announcement has also been praised by top athletes in the sport.
“The launch of this event in Scotland is a fantastic development for the Scottish Highland Games community,” said Elizabeth Elliott, 2022 ABPU World Powerlifting Champion and international Highland Games competitor.
“A lot of Games in Scotland are changing regarding ladies’ competitions, with last year having the most games ever allowing women to compete.”
The history of the Glenurquhart Highland Games can be traced back 80 years to 1945, with the end of August becoming a tradition in the local community.
