500 athletes take part in international tug of war

The sport of Tug of War is recognised by the International Olympic Committee

About 500 competitors from 10 countries are getting ready to compete in an international tournament.

Thirty five clubs will take part in the GENSB Youth International Tug of War Tournament at Keele University in Staffordshire.

The tournament is a free event for all spectators with the association keen for people unfamiliar with the sport to experience live competition.

South Africa‘s HTS Drostdy team arrived in the UK earlier this week and trained with Bosley Tug Of War club in preparation. “We are competing in the biggest competition of our lives,” said 17-year-old competitor Daniël.

The GENSB tournament was founded in 1998 by associations in Germany, England, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.

The committees aim to bring young athletes, between 12 and 18, together to compete at an international level.

England’s Tug of War Association spokesman, Alan Knott, is proud to host this year‘s event in his home county of Staffordshire.

”Tug of War is truly a passion for our teams, and being able to share that with their supporters, family and friends on home soil will be an amazing opportunity,” he said.

Mr Knott was instrumental is welcoming the South African team to train with his club, Bosley.

Coach Morné Visser said his young squad have loved exploring the sites of the UK.

“We were in London and they enjoyed it and now we’re at Keele University and it’s very, very nice,” he said.

This year, teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Sweden and South Africa will be taking part alongside the five founding countries.