Celtic Greetings from the Chieftain

      It is a great pleasure as this year's Chieftain of the Games to be in a position to offer words of welcome and thanks for your support of Greater Sudbury's 2009 Celtic Festival. With our first year behind us, the organizing committee is working hard to build upon the success of our premier event last summer.

      I would be remiss if I did not thank our first Chieftain, Ian Davidson for helping us kick off the inaugural event. Ian leaves behind big shoes to fill and I am looking forward to the challenge.

      This year promises to be even bigger and better than last year, with the addition of a ScotDance Highland Dance Competition along with the return of the Vale Inco Canadian Federation of Scottish Athletes Heavy Games; the massed pipe bands; vendors, Celtic entertainment; and the list goes on.

      I look forward to being your Chieftain this year and to being part of a growing festival, as we celebrate the Celtic life here in Northern Ontario!

Donald M. Donaldson
Chieftain of the Games