Origins of the GLSAA

 

Great Lakes Scottish Athletes Association

 

The Great Lakes Scottish Athletes Association (GLSAA) was founded in 2007. The organization formed when the United States Strongman Federation disbanded. GLSAA was created to allow Scottish Heavy Athletics competitors in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan to stay in contact, discuss upcoming games, organize training sessions, and to stay informed about Highland Games in the region. Since its formation, the organization has adapted to support the needs of a growing number of athletes and games, particularly in Ohio. The GLSAA conducts games under the rules and regulations outlined by NASGA. GLSAA has organized training seminars with Pro athletes, charity benefits, and a growing number of games at festivals and in back yards. Expect to see more games, more athletes from more classes, and even more camaraderie from our ever expanding family as the GLSAA continues to evolve!

GLSAA Games in Ohio

(Visit our calendar pagefor more information and to sign up)

Northeast Ohio Tundra Games

The Tundra Games began as a ridiculous idea by a small group of Heavy Athletics fanatics. After seeing results from games in California, Texas, and Arizona posted in January on the NASGA website, Josh Raab and John Shingler asked the question “Who needs good weather to throw? Since we practice in the snow and cold in Ohio throughout the winter months, why don’t we have a competition?” Clayton Gellatly agreed and generously offered his yard for the competition. The Tundra games have grown from that first cold January in 2004 to become one of GLSAA’s most popular events with the athletes. The atmosphere of these games is very laid back, with new competitors braving the cold to receive advice from the rest of the amateurs and a chili potluck dinner to share stories and warm the frigid toes.

Beltane Festival at the Maize Valley Winery

The Beltane Festival at the Maize Valley Winery has hosted Scottish Heavy Athletics competitions since 2006. Located in Hartville, Ohio, this festival has steadily grown in size and popularity. The competition field is one of the largest available at any games in Ohio. The surrounding farmland is relatively flat, making for some tricky wind conditions during the caber competition. Rain or shine, this festival always draws a good crowd of boisterous spectators.