10/04/2015
Well the 2015 Kilt Life Heavy Highland Athletic Clinic is in the books now and all of us at Kilt Life want to say thank you all for a great day of Training, Learning, Camaraderie and ultimately advancing the Cultural art of Highland Athletics.
The following individuals we thank for participating as Athletes at the clinic and we hope you found the time you took to join us was well worthwhile: Rachel Anderson, Oscar Bell, Frank Bretz, Zachary Bretz, Erik Hill, Chad Johnson, Susan Kirk, Kenneth Korcak, Michah Miller, Gregory, Ritzert, Dawn Schull, Ashton Vest, Owen Vest. All of you put out 110% on the field and deserve a standing ovation for your efforts. I especially wish to take my hat of to our two young lads Michah and Owen. To see the future of Highland Athletics on our field made it all worthwhile!
Now to the Ladies and Gentlemen who came from near and quite far to spend their time doing what they so apparently love to do with all their heart. Our panel of Coaches/Trainers, all of whom share a passion in the perfection of the Art of Highland Athletics: Adriane Wilson, Danielle Curry, Tyson Trias, Celtic Ching and Bob Gourlay who as always plays such a key role in the proliferation of this Great and Ancient Sport.
I have watched Highland games much over the last 5 years and I can tell you all that my time spent listening to these masterful folks share their insight, passion and knowledge was remarkable. The depth of body mechanics needed to perform these events, transforms what seems to be a simple task to an mathematical equation. The answer of which is a successful attempt to attain higher, longer, heavier throws and pitches. I can only say I stood amazed and reached a new level of respect for the sport and those who compete.
The following folks were registered but due to circumstances could not attend. We want you to know you were missed and we will forward your event shirts to you this week. : Ed Wilson, Victoria Dodson, Michael, Wronkowski.
One of our goals in our effort to advance Highland Athletics was to provide to these ladies and gentlemen an opportunity to access funds that are available in the form of Scholarships and Sponsorship's to help with entry fee's, travel expenses, hotel reservations, etc. I am proud to announce that we succeeded in that goal with the aid of two local area Celtic societies. The Celtic Norse Heritage Society and the New World Celts were present at the clinic and were prepared to meet the challenge of aiding our Athletes. The New World Celts represented by Volusia Chapter President Angela Hart and Vice President Dylan Hart Kleinhans Awarded a $150.00 Scholarship in a drawing to Gregory Ritzert.
The Celtic Norse Heritage Society received 5 applications for its renowned Highland Athletic Sponsorship Program. This Program is funded through special events held throughout the year. This summer our New Smyrna Beach Viking Pub Crawl raised over $1000.00 for the program Thanks to the joint efforts of its membership.
Our kilt Life Retail Division was represented by Aaron Booton and Jami Childress. Our Kilt Life Brand Tee shirts and Custom Leather products were on display for all to enjoy.
A special thank you to our Celtic Norse Heritage Society volunteers who handled the set up and tear down of the event,Sign in, registrations and Lunch. : Patricia Booton, Trish Coburn and Kimberly Justin! Thank you so much!
We were blessed to have the opportunity to host this clinic and to do so at a venue so beautiful and pristine as Princess Place Preserve in Flagler County Florida. An enormous thank you to the staff at the preserve: Frank, George and company who were so over the top friendly and helpful!
Finally, a special recognition needs to be made to Jeff Nager and his family. Jeffs vision, dedication and heart for this clinic knew no bounds. The idea of the clinic was Jeff's and together we took all liberties to put on an event that would be functional and noteworthy. For all of you who had some degree of participation on any level, Just know that this was all for you! If you enjoyed the day and felt our goals were met, then all I ask is that you promote us and the sport by sharing your experience any way you can! It was my pleasure and honor to have met you all and worked with you! I look forward to our next event and getting to know you all more!
Till we meet again, Train hard , Throw Harder, Higher and Further!
Jack Booton, Kilt LIfe........
