A Champion Stone Putter from Wantagh

Scott Thompson from Wantagh won first place in the stone putting event at the 2010 Long Island Scottish Games and Family Festival held on August 28 at Old Westbury Gardens.

Thompson's winning throw came measured 36.5 feet. His personal record is 40 feet.

Thompson says he's been shot putting since high school and participating in a competetion like the Long Island Scottish Games is a way to keep up with the sport. He practices often at home with his 22 pound stone.

"It's basically shot putting, but with a larger heavier object," said Thompson.. So I practice in my back yard, putting the stone."

Thompson says he has won overall champion in the past, but what really keeps him coming back year after year is the celebration of Scottish Culture he finds in the annual event. "It's part of my heritage, " said Thompsonm, who is half Scottish. "It's a great competition. I love the bands. I'm a big fan of bagpipe and drum music. My family's here, my friends are here, it's a great event!"

The annual Long Island Scottish Games event is run by Scottish Clan McDuff, the last Scottish Clan on Long Island. They hold the games each year as a celebration of Scottish Culture. In addition to games such as stone throwing the event also features Scottish music, bagpipe bands, Scottish dance and food.

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