After 2 long years in which we had no Highland Gathering, it seemed that nothing should prevent us having one this year. Jakarta is now a much happier town. We’ve seen and felt a real difference even during these last 3 months. The athletics Stadium in Lippo Karawaci was voted an excellent venue in 1997, and the HG Executive Committee voted to have it there again on May 28. This is, as many of you recall, a whole day event, from 7 in the morning till 7 in the evening.
With the Games goes a number of activities. The JSAS Thursday evening get-together (May 25) in the Chieftain’s house where visitors can meet their hosts and renew old friendships, is a very popular event. So too is the next evening’s casual cocktail party at the residence of Sir Robin and Lady Christopher – this is open to the Games Committee’s invitees and is especially for hosts and their overseas guests. On Saturday, no doubt after a grueling day in the sun putting the stadium together, there is a black tie dinner at the Regent Hotel to which all are invited. Overseas competitors and invited sponsors are given free tickets for this Scotland-in-Concert event.
On the great day itself, we expect 10,000 spectators with perhaps 1000 competitors, competing in rather less than 100 events. The committees this year assure you that this is very like the real thing, with pipes and drums (10 bands competing), Scottish Country Dancing (6 or 7 teams), 5-a-side soccer, 7-a-side rugby, hockey, volleyball, athletics including a full children’s programme from 9am till about midday, a "heavies" programme led by 4 of Scotland’s best athletes, tug o’ war and so on.
In addition there will be displays of Indonesian dancing, massed drum bands and vintage car and motorcycle parades. A street – the Lang Stracht – will have upwards of 30 shops selling everything from T-shirts, souvenirs, music, food and refreshment. A grand finale with an amazing fireworks display will bring the Games to a close just as darkness falls.
Tickets for all events will be made available in the coming weeks. For details of this and any other matters please talk to Yvanka (Admin) Tel 719 0314 or Bob Dover and Bernie McCready (Concessions and Sponsorships) Tel 525 4737 and 5296 0350 respectively.
We look forward to seeing you, your family and your friends over what we believe will be a wonderful weekend. I think we all deserve it.
Gordon G Benton, OBE
Chairman, HG 2000
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