Sports and Raft Race

A record number of rafts took place in the annual race at Sailen including entries from New Zealand and the team of Archaeologists who were otherwise busy excavating Lismore’s Iron Age sites. A capacity crowd of locals and visitors packed the shore as David White waved the chequered flag and the children paddled furiously despite a stiffish north east wind. A joint Scottish New Zealand team were first in a very impressive raft. The adult race was won by the Douglas and Lorne MacDougall in a tin bath with an archaeologist coming second in what appeared to be polystyrene and parcel tape aquaplane.

Apart from the usual running, throwing, leaping and tossing, the sports also introduced an obstacle race involving car tyres, buckets of water and a fire hose which was popular with all ages. Another popular innovation was the presence of Fire-fighters Duncan Brooks and Dave Meddes and their brand new engine. There to promote Community Fire Safety, in particular to educate the public re fire risks in the home, it was a dream for any child wanting to sit in the engine, see the hose demonstrated and get a free hat and badge. The adults took away the information leaflets.

Results:1st Adult/Teen Raft "That Sinking Feeling", 1st Child Raft "Tiaratangawanga"

1st Men Robbie Cook (Shield & 'Ted' Memorial Cup), Ladies' Shield Denise Willis, Male Teen Shield Lorne MacDougall, Female Teen Shield Rachel MacLean, Ist Child Hill Race Calum McGillivary (1st boy home Calum McGillivary 1st girl home Holly Morton), 1st Teen Hill Race D MacLean, 1st Men Hill Race Alasdair Green, 1st Ladies Hill Race Jo Culver,

Tug-o-war South Men, Women, Teenagers and Children all victorious!

Grateful thanks to Lismore Stores, Alison & Iain Weir, Hubert & Anne Saldanha, Donald & Alison MacLean for the Shields, Gilly & Roger and Friends for the food, Eric & David for the PA system, Archie MaColl, Archie MacGillivary, John, Jane, Gilleasbuig, Mark, David, Norma, Carol & Julian for all the field work, Pauline for story and photos and to the many volunteers who assisted with the events and races.

A huge big thank you to all the people who came along and took part in the events (the most competitors we have seen for many a year) and/or supported the competitors and enjoyed the day with us. We hope to see you all again next year.