The Highland weather wasn’t a friend to the first McRobert Cup since 2019. But despite that, the High Life Highland organised school’s event went swimmingly – almost literally.
The event took place at Bught Park, Inverness on the morning of 22nd March.
Speaking about the event, Dagmar Borrowman, High Life Highland’s Active Schools Coordinator for the Charleston School cluster, and one of the organising team said, “Despite the weather, it was clear that the school pupils were delighted to be back at Bught Park in Inverness and taking part in this very recognised schools competition.
“This year, we were thrilled to have 39 primary schools entering with just under 1,000 pupils taking part. This was a record number for the event, which has become an annual date in the many primary schools’ calendars.
“In addition, we were pleased to have a number of partners this year with support from Inverness Harriers Athletics Club, JogScotland, UHI and members of Inverness Rotary Club who provided volunteers on the day.
Dagmar continued, “All the runners had electronic timing devices fitted to their shoes, which enabled the organising team to pick up very accurate results, quickly and easily. This has been a welcome addition, particularly for such a large-scale event.”
The cross-country event was attended by Megan Keith, one of the athletes from the Inverness Harriers and who is currently Under-21 European silver medallist, who joined Nicky Grant, Highland Council’s, Executive Chief Officer for Education and Learning to present the prizes.
Speaking after the event, Nicky Grant said, “It was great to see so many passionate and enthusiastic young people coming together and representing their schools. I know how much everyone has missed taking part in the McRobert Cup and we’re all delighted it’s back in the school calendar.
“Activities, Physical Education and sport are really important to our children and young people. As Highlanders, they are well used to wet weather and their commitment, dedication and sportsmanship was there for all to see and I was proud to be able to support this important event.”
It was clear that the somewhat damp pupils deemed the McRobert Cup 2023 a resounding success, with many looking forward to coming back to the Bught next year.
Concluding, Dagmar Borrowman paid tribute to the many schools, pupils, supporters and volunteers saying, “It has been brilliant to be running the event again. It takes a lot of work, but to see the look on the children’s faces, makes it all worthwhile. We are already looking forward to running next year’s event. And we promise schools, participants and volunteers that we will place an early order for sunshine and warmer temperatures for 2024.”
