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There are
people who have never been to a Highland Games or Scottish
Festival. There are people who attend their local games each and
every year. There are even people who try to attend several
different games whenever they can. In the South-East of the United
States there is at least one person who seems to be a permanent
fixture at numerous games and festivals. Mad Max McDougald is one
of those special people who stand out anywhere they are. If you
have been to any of the games that he is at, you will surely
remember him. He is the gravely voiced, dark haired and bewhiskered,
bear of a man in Viking garb, complete with horned helm, who is
constantly surrounded by large groups of enthralled children. Max
runs the children's sporting events at several Scottish games.
One of the
most endearing sights of any games is that of Max struggling under
the combined weight of over a dozen children, all trying to wrestle
him to the ground at the same time. Not only do the children come
away with a new found knowledge of ancient sporting events, but with
big dose of self confidence and a simple understanding of common
courtesy and respect for others. A highlight for most of the
children, is being allowed to participate in the rough and tumble
events while in Highland dress, which Max supplies and maintains.
Max dedicates so much time and effort to these activities, that he
was recently commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of
Kentucky for his efforts, in addition to having received several
awards from various groups over the years. However, while thankful
for the recognition he has received, the only award Max strives for
is the smile on "his kids" faces as they learn something new. What
higher reward is there, than the thanks of a child on the road to
being a better person?
Max has now
branched out into the field of bigger kids and grown-ups. His
classes in Highland or "Cumberland" wrestling are a big hit
everywhere they are offered. Max has a problem though, while he has
several wee kilts for the bairns, he is severely lacking when it
comes to the bigger folks. So Mad Max, who is known for always
being there for anybody that needs him, is now in need himself. If
anyone has an old kilt that they no longer can or would wear, Max
would like to have them. He needs kilts to dress the would be
athletes in. So, no matter how old, worn, or stained they might be,
Mad Max would be grateful if you could see fit to send them to him.
He will maintain and transport them to the different games he
attends and loan them to his students and the amateur athletes. If
you have an old kilt, you can donate it to Max at any of these
games:
Loch Norman
Highland Games, Huntersville, NC - Gatlinburg Scottish Festival &
Games, Gatlinburg, TN - Glasgow Highland Games, Glasgow, KY -
Columbia Tartan Fest, Columbia, SC - Taste of Scotland, Franklin, NC
- Appalachian Highland Games, Martins Creek, NC - Waxhaw Highland
Games, Waxhaw, NC - Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Linville,
NC - Triad Highland Games, Archdale, NC - Stone Mountain Highland
Games, Atlanta, GA - Foothills Highland Games, Tryon, NC
or by
shipping them to this address:
N. "Mad Max"
McDougald, III
310 Grants Creek Road
Salisbury, NC 28147
I am sure
that those of you who know Max, and hopefully those who don't, will
eagerly take advantage of this opportunity to finally be able do
something for this selfless individual. Max is also in the process
of setting up a non-profit corporation to oversee his athletic
endeavors and give a tax advantage to those who wish to help in
other ways. |
