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Glenurquhart Set For Big Apple Strut | |
06 April 2016 2015 RBS MacTavish Cup winners Glenurquhart head for New York City to take part in the 18th Annual Tartan Week on Saturday 9 April 2016 and they will play an exhibition shinty match at Dyckman Soccer Field on Sunday 10 April 2016. The Blairbeg side will take part in the Tartan Day Parade down 6th Avenue on Saturday 9 April 2016 before playing an exhibition shinty match the following day. Glenurquhart President Garry MacKintosh said, “Just after our MacTavish Cup triumph over Newtonmore last June, I was contacted by Alan L Bain, President of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, who suggested we take the side across, march in the parade and also showcase Scotland’s indigenous sport with an exhibition match in Central Park. Clearly they had noted our historic victory in the media – our first success in the MacTavish in over a century of trying - and I suppose the idea of a team of shinty players from the shores of Loch Ness caught the American imagination. The Loch and its monster are after all a global brand.” “We sat on the idea for a while but then, having been joined in the venture by several strategic sponsors who see our trip as a positive boost for the Highlands, we realised we could seize the opportunity of a lifetime.” The sponsors who have made the difference are:
Local Councillor and Highland Council Leader, Margaret Davidson met up with Glenurquhart co-manager Billy MacLean and team captain Lewis MacLennan (all pictured) to wish them well. Margaret Davidson said, “I know the club will do Glen Urquhart and the Highlands proud. It is a fantastic opportunity and they have done well to make it and take it. Take the good wishes of all of us around Loch Ness with you.” Visit Scotland Regional Partnerships Director, Scott Armstrong said: “I am delighted that members of Glenurquhart Shinty Club are demonstrating their #ScotSpirit in New York this year. As well as being a fantastic experience, by taking part in the Tartan Day Parade, the team will be flying the flag for not only Scotland, but also the Highlands and encouraging people to come and visit us in the future. Loch Ness is a globally-recognised brand and people from all around the world are fascinated by the myth. I hope the team will capture the imaginations of those they meet and spread the word. Visit Scotland’s marketing and digital platforms already provide a shop window for Scotland and I hope this trip will complement that, with the team promoting the Highlands internationally by showcasing the region’s cultural background.” A party of 30 players and officials, accompanied by the current Camanachd Association President and Glenurquhart native Jim Barr, will leave Drumnadrochit for New York on Friday 8 April 2016and they are due to return to the Glen on Monday 11 April 2016. |