Everyone can join in Alva games

Jul 1 2009 by Stirling Editorial Reporter, Stirling Observer Wednesday

This year’s Alva Games will mark Homecoming with a special, overseas visitors welcome tent co-hosted by provost Derek Stewart and Lord Lieutenant Sheena Cruickshank.

2009 takes the games into its 153rd year and the day of fun packed, traditional events on Saturday July 11 provides the perfect family outing. Athletics, cycling, highland dancing, heavyweight events and a youths’ tug o’ war are all contested.

The crowning glory of Alva Games day is the British Championship Hill Race which is one of four age-restricted hill races run over Torry, covering 2.5km and an ascent of 385m.

The Games, which are the last of their kind to be run in Clackmannanshire, attract thousands of visitors from near and far and it is hoped that the special Homecoming Marquee will provide an extra welcome for those who have come from abroad.

Further entertainment will include a piper outside the marquee, prize draws throughout the day, traditional Scottish refreshments and interesting information about Clackmannanshire.

Provost Derek Stewart, who is Chairman of the Alva Games Committee, said: “Homecoming presents a huge range of exciting opportunities and possibilities for Clackmannanshire, as well as for Scotland as a whole and a lot of hard work has gone into organising a range of Homecoming events to appeal to both residents and visitors. I hope that those coming from overseas to the Alva Games will enjoy our hospitality as well as a fantastic day of traditional activities.”

Craig Dunbar, Alva Games Committee secretary, added: “The Games Committee is delighted that both the Lord Lieutenant and Provost are supporting the Games with the Homecoming Marquee in 2009. In addition, at the track interval, there will be two new races for overseas visitors, one each for men and women, with the first prizes sponsored by Sheena Cruickshank and Provost Derek Stewart.”

Full details of Homecoming events happening in Clackmannanshire this summer are available online atwww.clacksweb.org.uk/culture/meet your ancestors.