Pleasanton Highland Games will again host the 2009 World Hammer Championships. This years list is looking very impressive and should post some amazing throws. 

Steve Conway, SHA and the Caledonian Club of San Francisco done a wonderful job in hosting last years championships that it was only fitting to have them take it on once again. 

The event will take place on September 5th and 6th at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California.  Please show your support and attend this years event...you wont be sorry!

Visit there website for more details at: Caledonian Club of S.F. 

The games are held the 3rd week of July at beautiful Columbus Field in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and typically draws 20,000 spectators from around the World.

Antigonish has a long history of hosting top international competition. Names like Bill Anderson, Grant Anderson, Kieth Tice, Ryan Vierra, Francis Brebner, Matt Sandford, Dan Markovic, Wout Zilstra, Doug MacDonald, Jim McGoldrick, Alistair Gunn, to name a few, have graced Columbus Field going back 30 years. In fact, many of our field records are held by these legends.

In 2003 Antigonish held the IHGF World Championships, with Matt Sandford claiming top prize. Since then we have hosted a Commonwealth vs. USA Challenge, All Canadian Championship and the 2008 CSAF Canadian Championship. In 1996 Antigonish hosted one of the 1st World invitational’s, with 12 competitors from around the globe. Ryan Vierra took top prize with Karl Dodge second.

Antigonish has proven itself to be the hotbed of Scottish Heavy Athletics in Canada. The small town of 5000 people has produced 2 Canadian Champions and a number of international athletes. It is also home to an unparallel junior circuit that trains future champions. Nova Scotia is also home to over 10 highland games, making the province a leader in the preservation of Scottish culture.

Antigonish is home to St. Francis Xavier University, the premier undergraduate university in Canada. Many top international competitors have stayed at St. F.X and enjoyed their time there. Antigonish takes tremendous pride in hospitality and athletics. Many athletes will speak fondly of enjoying lobster dinners, local steaks and a heavy of Maritime seafood. Dare I say that Antigonish is the most thrower-friendly games in the World?

All involved at the Antigonish Highland Society are thrilled at the chance to host the IHGF World Team Event. We look forward to setting a standard of hospitality and athletics that will go unmatched.