THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – On June 21 and 22nd, Thunder Bay and the CLE Coliseum will host the Ontario Strongman Championships for a second year in a row. This family friendly event will run from noon until 5pm on both days.
The event will feature demonstrations by the Dynamite Cheer All Stars, face painting and activities for kids, a women’s log press challenge and much more. There will be food vendors and autographs available for the kids. All proceeds from this event are being raised to support Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Thunder Bay.
On the first day of the Ontario Strongman Championships, seventeen athletes from across the Province will compete in five unique tests of strength with the top twelve moving on to compete in the finals with four more events on the second day. In total, the athletes will compete in nine events in this decathlon of strength including: the truck pull, the Viking press, field stones, maximum deadlift, farmer’s walk, a loading race, a overhead pressing medley, and the giant tire flip. New for this year will be the crowing of Ontario’s First Strongman Champion <105kg (231lbs). Last year’s OSM champion Ben Ruckstuhl from Trenton, Ontario (6’3” and 350lbs) will be defending his title against all comers including Thunder Bay residents Luke Skaarup, the 2012 OSM Champion (6’-0” and 295lbs), Kyle Rayner the 2013 runner up (6’-1” and 285lbs). With the title of Ontario’s Strongest Man, and two paid trips to Nationals in Quebec City, on the line an epic battle between these larger than life strength athletes guaranteed. This sporting event weekend is being organized by Luke Skaarup, Kyle Rayner, Tony Napolitano, and Brittany Macke. The event will be refereed by Chris Mc Dole and MC’d by Kateri Skaarup of Thunder Bay. There are many supporters of this new event including: Naturally Fit, Halfway Motors Nissan, Magic 99.9, Country 105, S ‘n R Music, Skaarup Construction, Tony & Adams, Valhalla Inn, McDole’s Gym, All Season Renovations, George Contracting Group, Taranis Construction Ltd, Kaltire, the City of Thunder Bay, and tbaytel. This event is being run on a non-profit basis with all proceeds being directed to Big Brother’s and Big Sister’s of Thunder Bay. “Canada’s leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thunder Bay has been creating friendships since 1970. All funding from this event will stay local and will have a direct impact on the programs and initiatives offered to local Thunder Bay youth.” Said Big Brothers Big Sisters, Thunder Bay Board Member Brittany Macket We are very proud of our efforts and the fact that we are hosting the Provincial Strongman Championships in Thunder Bay for a 2nd year in a row while awarding the first Ontario’s Strongest Man Title for athletes under 105kg. This is an exciting event for Northwestern Ontario and Thunder Bay. We have many top ranked health and fitness athletes, whether it’s bodybuilding, fitness, Powerlifting or strongman champions, and we want to build an event that will showcase some of our local talent while staging a first rate competition and providing entertainment for our community” said event organizer Luke Skaarup. Competition Details DATE: Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23, 2013 SCHEDULE: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (both days) VENUE: CLE Coliseum- 425 Northern Ave, Thunder Bay ADMISSION: $5 per adult, children under 6 free. For more information on the Ontario Strongman Championships or to inquire about this event, please check out our Facebook page “Strongman Thunder Bay & Ontario’s Strongest Man Competition 2014”. This event is presented by the City of Thunder Bay, George Contracting Group, and Taranis Contracting Group.
