Which sport has bagpipes, kilts, and meat pies? The Highland games of course! The games have been held in Scotland since the 11th century. Scottish games have also been held in the United States for over 180 years.

The events in the Highland games are different from typical track and field events. In one game, you throw a 13-pound rock called a braemar [bray-mar]. In another game you throw a caber, which is the size and shape of a telephone pole. When you play a game called the sheaf, you have to stab a sack of hay with a pitchfork.

For most of history, only men played in the games. Now, women are joining the fun. The number of women playing in the United States has grown from 200 to 700 over the past ten years.

One talented female competitor is Michele Crowheart. She was one of the first women to play in the United States. She stared competing in 1994. There were only four other women in the games at that time.

Women have only been considered pros for a few years.  Before when they competed, they couldn’t set records. Now they are treated the same as the men.

The best part of the Highland games is the community. In Arizona, there is a weekly practice for people who want to try new events. They give away prizes like Viking axes. During the games, players cheer for each other. Anyone who breaks a record gets a plastic tiara. The athletes travel together to different competitions. The road trips are an adventure. The group feels like a family.

Lots of Highland games competitions were cancelled during the pandemic. The athletes missed being together. They are glad to be able to gather again for meat pies and Scottish fun!