Tug-of-war new at VW Rib Cook-off

Van Wert independent/CVB information

Tug-of-war, in some form, has been a sport in many countries through the course of history.  An illustration from an Egyptian tomb dating to about 2000 B.C. shows a version of tug-of-war.  Viking warriors developed a sport called skin pulling, in which an animal skin was used instead of a rope.  To make it even more interesting, the teams were stationed on opposite sides of a fire pit.  The world’s largest tug-of-war contest is held every three years in a small Korean village where more than 5,000 people pull at a rope that’s more than 650 feet long and weighs 40 tons. Between 1900 and 1920, tug-of-war was added as a track and field sport to the Olympic games. Today, the Tug-of-War International Federation governs the sport and, on August 6, the 50th anniversary international tug-of-war tournament will take place in the town of Laukiz in northern Spain.

On the same day, August 6, area residents can participate in the first annual tug-of-war competition at the Van Wert Rib Cook-Off. Larry Lee, Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director and coordinator of the event, said organizers are looking for teams of eight individuals to take part in this first-ever event.

There will be three divisions — a men’s heavyweight division (weight limit 2,000 pounds); a men’s lightweight division (weight limit 1,600 pounds) and a coed division (at least four female members with a combined team weight limit of 1,400 pounds).

The contest will be a double elimination tournament with the winners receiving a t-shirt, a traveling trophy and bragging rights; while the runners-up will receive t-shirts.

For more information call the CVB office at 419.238.9378 or pick up an entry form at their office located at 136 E. Main Street.

Lee reminds everyone that there is still time to register for this year’s cornhole tournament, sponsored by the First Bank of Berne. Two-person teams should complete an entry form available at the CVB office or at First Bank of Berne branches. Pre-registration is required along with a $20 entry fee.  A guaranteed first prize of $250 will be awarded to the winning team.

The rib cook-off will also be hosting its fifth annual youth Wiffleball tournament.  Teams may pick up forms at the CVB office. Entry fee for a 10-member team is $75.

This year’s annual rib cook-off will be held on Saturday, August 6, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds from noon to midnight and Lee encourages everyone to come out and have a great time.