Have you ever marveled at a sports trophy store in Singapore? Did you know that sports trophies date back to the 16th century?
Their form, size, story, and purpose may vary across different sports, but trophies are all awarded to signify an exemplary performance. And although the exact origin of trophies remains unknown, it’s said that the Ancient Greeks were the first ones to use them for sporting events.
In this post, we take a look at some of the earliest sports trophies around the world, all of which are still issued to date. Let’s jump in.
1.) Carlisle Bell
This historic sporting trophy tops the list of the oldest trophies that are still being awarded. Created in 1550 and first awarded in 1599, the Carlisle Bell is used for the British flat horse race. The name of the race is related to the bells that were given to the race winners during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. During the early 17th century, the winners were also awarded silver broad arrows and stock. The Bell and these arrows and stock went missing for many years after that and were only found in the 19th century. The Carlisle bells are kept at the Carlisle Guildhall Museum.
2.) Scorton Silver Arrow
If the Carlisle Bell is used for a horse racing event, the Scorton Silver Arrow is used for target archery. Second on the list, the Scorton Silver Arrow was first used in 1673 in Yorkshire, England. The competition was held annually from then on. The winner who gets to hit the black spot is awarded as the Captain of the Arrow and the participant getting the red zone is awarded the Lieutenant of the Arrow. Each of them receives a replica of the famous Scorton Silver Arrow. The original Arrow is at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.
3.) 1774 Royal Musselburgh Golf Club
The third trophy on this list originates from Scotland. The winners of the 1774 Royal Musselburgh Golf Club trophy date back to 1774. That makes the Musselburgh Golf Club one of the oldest trophies still used for competitions in the world. The first person to receive the Club was Thomas McMillan, who later became the club’s captain. Aside from holding the title as one of the world’s oldest sporting trophies, the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club takes credit as one of the oldest golf societies in the world.
4.) America’s Cup
America’s Cup, also referred to as the Auld Mug, is a trophy used for sailing. It’s one of the oldest international competitions in the world still operating. The race occurs between two sailing yachts – the existing winner or the holder of the title and a challenger from another yacht club. The cup has no fixed schedule as the match happens on the date agreed upon by both parties. America’s Cup lures sailors, participants, and even yacht enthusiasts from across the globe.
The oldest sports trophies come from different sports and countries. If you’ve received a sports trophy in Singapore, either from a community, school, or corporate event, that’s also a wonderful accomplishment in itself. Enjoying your game, giving it your all, and winning are all great experiences to look back to.