March 30, 2010 — “What would make a strongman competition even more spectacular?” I sometimes ask myself. The answer, my fellow Susanvillians, is strongwomen.
This year’s competition is sure to dazzle the community with a number of new events, weight-class differentiations and yes folks, strongbabes.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1 and will include some of last year’s challenges, such as the tractor tire flip, keg loading, truck pull and atlas stones. Competitors are asked to show up at 9 a.m. the morning of the event.
New additions include the axle press, which not only sounds way cooler than bench press, but also features an actual truck axle complete with shiny new rims for the competitors to push on.
In addition to the traditional sponsorship from the Susanville Indian Rancheria, Tribal Business Council and the Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel, the Lassen Shrine Club is slated to co-sponsor the event. Proceeds this year go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
According to shrinershq.org Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
There are approximately 350,000 members from 191 temples (chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.
Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children and receive all services at no financial obligation to families.
This year’s strongperson competition is creating a buzz with its addition of a strongwoman competition. With events like a downsized tractor tire flip, a farmer’s walk, a car pull and a loading medley, local wome n are already starting to pump some iron in preparation.
“I have never done anything like this before,” said Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel’s Marketing Manager Julie James. “I am looking forward to the loading medley the most. The car pull sounds challenging but after seeing the men do it last year I think I will be able to do it.
“I think when the local women find out there are already women signing up for this event,” said James “more will want to come out and participate. It’s all about raising money for children and having fun. It doesn’t matter if you can’t lift one object, it just feels good to support something like this.”
For male competitors 230-pounds and below, a new lightweight division has been created, allowing a more balanced competition. Men 231-pounds and above will be entered into the unlimited class.
Championship belts will be given to winners of each class as well as sculptured trophies for second and third place. Medals will be divvied up among the remaining competitors.
Last year’s co-champions John Kegg and Bob Shaffer plan to step down as competitors and stick to refereeing and emceeing the event.
“It was so hard last year to finish something like atlas stones and then jump onto the microphone to conduct the rest of the event,” Kegg said.
“We had a great turnout last year and we hope this year is even better. It will be held in the spring so it doesn’t interfere with hunting or fishing and any other special events.”
The entry fee for competitors is $50 and admission to the event is by donation only.
“It’s not about win or lose, It’s about raising money for a great cause and having a great time while doing so,” Kegg said.
Call Kegg at 310-6842 for more information.
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