Tug of War pulls away as Pirates host first competition of 2024 season
Pirates Tug of War Club hosts the first opening competition for the 2024 season.
Recently, the Kimberley Pirates Tug of War Club hosted their inaugural tug of war competition for the year, bringing together a total of 337 pullers from 10 different clubs across the province on their fields.
The event showcased the growing popularity and improvement in the quality of tug of war, drawing enthusiasts from various regions. Tents were scattered around the field, providing shade for the participants and spectators alike, creating a vibrant atmosphere as pullers eagerly awaited their turn to showcase their strength and teamwork.
But the Northern Cape sun was yet again very unforgiving, as the visitors and locals wilted as temperatures soared close to 37 degrees Celsius.
The Pirates Tug of War Club, led by the capable management team of Anton Groenewald, Wimpie Geyer, Sarah De Beer, Johnny Moller, and Marianna Vermeulen, orchestrated a well-organised and competitive event that brought together communities and clubs.
Groenewald, chairman of the Pirates team, spoke with the DFA to share some insights about the club and its future plans. He spoke about the recent competition and outlined the club’s plans for the upcoming Junior SA’s scheduled for March 14-16, here in Kimberley.
“We are in the process of securing a venue for the Junior SA’s where all the facilities will be available for the participants,” Groenewald said. “We aim to make this tournament a great success.”
The competition itself showcased outstanding performances, with De Aar and Landboudal emerging as standout teams in various categories. Groenewald expressed gratitude for the community’s support and emphasised the vital role sponsors play in the success of the club.
“As the economy faces challenges, support from the community and sponsors is crucial. We encourage everyone to attend the tug of war, support our fund-raising initiatives, and contribute to our cause,” urged the chairman.
The club also shared a message for aspiring enthusiasts and young individuals interested in joining their ranks. They invited these interested parties to be part of the family-oriented sport that not only promotes fitness but also contributes to personal development.
“Join us; practice with us. Parents, it’s not just about fitness; it’s a team sport. We make kids strong; we develop them. Tug of War helps with concentration and emotional development, leading to improved academic performance.
“Come join us and enjoy it; it’s a family sport for young and old. We practise on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm," said Groenewald on behalf of the club.
The Pirates Tug of War Club looks forward to continued growth, success, and community involvement in the upcoming Junior SA’s, while the recent competition results reflect the dedication and competitiveness of the participating teams, setting the stage for an exciting tug-of-war season in 2024.
Results from the first tug of war competition held at the Pirates Tug of War Club on Saturday, January 27, are:
440kg Girls: Gold: Flamingos; Silver: Landboudal; Bronze: Panorama
230kg Barefoot: Gold: Gemsbokkies; Silver: Koffiefontein; Bronze: De Aar; 4th Place: Jacobsdal
440kg Barefoot: Gold: Panorama B; Silver: Landboudal; Bronze: Panorama A
480kg Girls Boots: Gold: De Aar; Silver: Flamingos
280kg Barefoot: Gold: Gemsbokkies A; Silver: Pirates; Bronze: De Aar
600kg Boots: Gold: Pirates; Silver: Landboudal A; Bronze: Landboudal B
320kg Barefoot: Gold: Panorama A; Silver: Gemsbokkies A; Bronze: De Aar
520kg Girls Boots: Gold: De Aar; Silver: Flamingos
480kg Boots: Gold: Landboudal; Silver: Pirates; Bronze: Panorama; 4th: Postmasburg
360kg Barefoot: Gold: Gemsbokkies; Silver: Panorama; Bronze: De Aar
520kg Mixed Boots: Gold: Postmasburg B; Silver: Postmasburg A; Bronze: Landboudal
400kg Barefoot: Gold: Pirates A; Silver: De Aar; Bronze: Pirates B
520kg Boots: Gold: Pirates; Silver: Postmasburg; Bronze: Landboudal
560kg Boots: Gold: Pirates A; Silver: Landboudal; Bronze: Pirates B