Eden Tug of War Festival hailed a huge success

MOSSEL Bay recently became the epicentre of a thrilling display of strength, strategy, and teamwork as the Eden Tug of War Federation hosted the highly-anticipated Eden Tug of War Festival, also known as the Mossel Bay Tug Festival.

This festival brought together teams from across South Africa, with competitors from the Northern Cape, Free State, Cape Winelands, Cape Town, and the Eden District all vying for top honours. Close to 40 teams, representing 17 different clubs and schools, participated in the festival, which featured a variety of categories.

One of the highlights was the junior tournament, where Under-17 and Under-13 teams showcased the promising future of tug of war in the country. It was a true celebration of athleticism and community, as school and club teams battled in a spirited yet friendly environment.

The festival wasn’t just about competition but also innovation. The tournament followed the prestigious European GENSB format, where teams of seven to 10 athletes competed in different weight divisions.

High school teams entered divisions ranging from 400 kg to 560 kg, and the introduction of a unique mixed-gender rule added a new dimension to the competition. Each female participant granted the team a 10 kg weight advantage, ensuring a more inclusive and balanced contest while maintaining a weight cap of 600 kg.

Western Cape Tug of War President, Jan “Barries” Barnard, lauded the success of the event. “This festival highlights the power of Tug of War in uniting communities,” Barnard commented.

The event saw strong support from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, as well as Tug of War South Africa. Fans from all corners of the country were able to catch the live-streamed action on SuperSport Schools, bringing the intensity and excitement of the competition into homes nationwide.

One of the standout moments of the festival came when Oakdale High School claimed the championship title, with Landboudal School from the Free State finishing in a close second.

As an added incentive, the winning team also qualified to represent South Africa at the prestigious GENSB Tournament, set to be held in the Netherlands in 2025.

As the festival drew to a close, it became clear that the Eden Tug of War Festival is now firmly cemented as a major highlight on the South African Tug of War calendar, setting a high standard for future events.