Tug O War!!!!

In 2006 Placencia Lobsterfest introduced the Tug O War Tournament. That year the tournament sponsor was the Pickled Parrot. The teams were made up of 5 people (1 had to be a lady). I think entering into it none of the participants realized just how difficult Tug O War can be. I was on a team - we only made one match - we got our butts kicked - we were all extremely sore for weeks......

In 2007 I think the memory of the pain that followed was still felt and Tug O War did not take place BUT in 2008 teams came out rip roaring and ready to go.......

This year Yearwood Properties put up a $250 cash prize for first ($150) and second place ($100), DeTatch Seafood Cafe offered up a case of Belize's favorite beer - Belikin and then Bowen and Bowen offered up a second case. The Lobsterfest committee circulated emails before the weekend of the fest to encourage businesses to enter teams.......

The Moorings Belize entered a team. Everyone was in their Moorings shirts, they even had their coach in uniform. This year one change to the rules was the increase of women on the team - now a minimum of two.

The other team was one literally grabbed out of the crowd. The two younger fellows Travis & Aaron in the front just wanted to compete and found Marge (in blue) and Janelle & Warren who I think were all pretty unaware of the torture they were about to endure. :)

Oh how they tried........

They pulled and they pulled......

And they pulled and they pulled......

In the end of that round the Moorings were the winners.

The Moorings took on another team.

Doesn't it look easy?

Well maybe not that easy....

But fun..... See that smile on her face?!
Tug O War official Dave Vernon laughed his way through the whole competition.

In the end the Moorings and another team had such a close finish that the Placencia BTIA threw in an extra $50 to the prize so that both team won $150 and a case of beer each. The entertainment value alone was worth it!

I am also pleased to report that the pain from 2008 was limited to my fingers and a dull ache in my arms in the days that followed, not the "Oh My Gosh I might just die" feeling of 2006. Our team is training for the Tug O War tourny at Placencia Lobsterfest 2009 - June 26, 27 & 28...... You better start training yours now..........

Photos courtesy of Muzamanzie Photographs