It’s a test of strength and will.
But when the Vancouver Arm Wrestling Club gathers on Saturday, it’s also going to be a test of support for their fellow wrist grapplers who want to represent Canada at the 2018 Arm Wrestling world championships in Turkey.
The Burnaby-based club is hosting a fund-raiser at the Admiral Pub where newcomers, pros and veteran arm wrestlers will have a chance to earn local bragging rights while helping support Team Canada.
“It’s going to be a full tournament, with pro class, 19-and-over amateur, both men and women divisions, and if we have enough entries, a masters class,” noted organizer Anthony Dall’Antonia.
Having been involved in the sport for more than 16 years, Dall’Antonia said the fundraiser is being carried nationally, with clubs across Canada offering similar events to raise funds for those who will head to Turkey in October.
Dall’Antonia, a Burnaby North alum, has hosted the Vancouver Arm Wrestling Club in his garage over the past years. And as national champion from 2005 to 2016, he’s put his knuckles and elbow on the line for a chance to represent Canada. He travelled to the worlds in Brazil, Japan, and, most recently, Malaysia in 2015.
“Usually, people try to gather their own funds, get sponsors for themselves but it’s not easy,” he said. “We thought this was one way where we could help out.”
In his lengthy resume of battles, Dall’Antonia has experienced the ups and downs of the sport, including a 15-minute marathon in the 2011 national final. Right now his focus is on reclaiming his Canadian title, after seeing his streak end last year.
“Some people go to the gym just to go to the gym,” he said of his passion for the sport. “Arm wrestling gave me a reason to apply my strength. You meet a lot of people and gone to a lot of neat places.”
The event is free for fans, with the $20 entry fee for competitors going towards the national team. A raffle and a pub-promotion burger deal will also provide opportunities to support the athletes.
The event starts at 1 p.m. (registration and weigh-ins begin at 11 a.m.) at the Admiral Pub, 4125 E. Hastings in Burnaby.
