Jacko Gill to compete in first Highland Games at Hororata

Media Release - Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Jacko Gill to compete in his first Highland Games at Hororata.

Last year the Hororata Highland Games was labeled the ‘largest Highland Games in the Southern Hemisphere’. The 2016 event will be no exception with a top line up of competitors set to challenge for championships across numerous events, including Olympic shot putter, Jacko Gill, who will be competing in the Oceania Heavyweight Championship.

“I think my favourite event is going to be the Caber Toss, as it looks impressive when done correctly. However I have never Tossed a Caber in competition before so it could be entertaining,” commented Jacko Gill when ask about competing at his first Highland Games. “I think the throwing events will be my strength as many of them are the origins of what we now compete in at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.”

New to the event this year will be Bike Polo with a grudge match between Christchurch and Timaru for the Hororata Highland Games Bike Polo Championship. Also new is the Gough CAT Vehicle Pull which consists of a team of five pulling a ute and mini digger on a trailer from start to finish, with the chance to win $300.00 cash.

“Surrounding the competitions and demonstration events we have a huge festival with over 100 market stalls, entertainment, fairground rides and much more. We have introduced the Duncan Cotterill Stage which will see some great entertainment like the Hororata Pie Eating competition, Southern Celtic Fiddle Orchestra, and Ma Bell and The Celtic Connection. Taste of Scotland is a wonderful experience with food, wine, Scottish wares, tartan and, of course, Haggis to enjoy. In Clan Lane people can connect or discover their Scottish roots. If you have any specific questions about your ancestry the Clans will more than likely be able to find an answer,” explained Event Manager, Cindy Driscoll.

Intertwined with the Stalls is entertainment unique to the Hororata Highland Games; the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) combat demonstrations where the stalwart knights will do battle for victory in honourable combat, performances from the Scottish Country Dancers and Irish Dancers.

“My advice to people attending the Hororata Highland Games is to come prepared for a full on day, bring your picnic chairs, suncream and hats! There is something to watch, have a go and discover from the minute the gates open at 9.00am right up until heart pounding massed bands at 4.00pm,” concluded Cindy.

Discounted early bird tickets for the Hororata Highland Games are on sale now. For more information and full programme visit www.hororatahighlandgames.org.nz

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