For all of Karyn Dallimore's life, she has managed to avoid common vices such as smoking, drinking and gambling.
But there is one addiction she has not been able to shake.
"I have a caber tossing habit," she said. "It is very strange but once you have tried it, it can be very addictive."
The heavy-events athlete will be demonstrating her strength and skills tomorrow (Saturday) at the BC Highland Games in Percy Perry Stadium at Coquitlam's Town Centre Park. Participants will get the chance to watch as Dallimore picks up a 20-foot, 100-pound log in an attempt flip it. Judges award points for accuracy and positioning.
It is just one of many heavy-throwing events taking place at the games.
About 50 other athletes will be participating in everything from the Scottish hammer toss, which is the ancestor of the Olympic hammer throwing event, to the sheaf toss, which sees athletes tossing bails of hay over a bar.
Dallimore said she was drawn to the sport while recovering from an auto accident. Her goal was to heal her injured back to a point where she would be able to throw a tree.
Today, she participates in heavy-event competitions around the world and recently returned from a trip to Iceland.
The sport attracts a different set of athletes, and Dallimore said there is a strong sense of community among the heavy-events participants.
"There is a good sportsmanship atmosphere," she said. "Everyone helps you out, which you don't see a lot in other sports."
But throwing heavy stuff is not the only activity at the BC Highland Games, of which The Tri-City News is a sponsor.
Pipers, drummers and bands will perform, as will highland dancers. There will be a British car display as well as several beer gardens for adults.
The first performers will hit the main stage at 11 a.m. but gates will be open as early as 7:30 a.m.
Tickets are $13 for adults, $9 for seniors and $3 for children aged six to 12 years; children under six get in free and there is a family rate for two adults and two students/seniors for $40.
For more information, go to www.bchighlandgames.com.
