The first planned competition of European Tug of War Indoor Tug of War Cup took place in Saldus, Latvia on November 26, 2022.
The competition was planned as a club competition with a lower cost level, so that teams without large financial resources, who have not yet achieved significant success and are at the beginning of their development, can take part in it. Of course, the current energy crisis and inflation took their toll…
Teams from Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia took part in the competition, with a total of around 150 participants. The participation of Ukrainian athletes was financially supported by the Saldus Tug of War Club, the Saldus Technical College and the Saldus County Council. From Lithuania, the athletes of the Tug of War Club “Kristalas” from Kuršenai (Šiauli County), the Tug of War Club “Ažuolas” from Panevezys participated. From Latvia participated – VVK “Velkonis” – Ventspils, “Novadnieki” from Saldus, VVK “Saldus”, “Ozoli”/”Līvbērze” represented Jelgava region.
The competition took place in the 680 kg weight class (7 teams participated) – Jelgava district team (Ozoli – Līvbērze) in 1st place, Velkonis in 2nd place, Saldus in 3rd place;
in the weight class 430 kg for women – 6 women in the team – 3 teams participated – 1st place – Ukraine, 2nd place – “Velkonis”, 3rd place “Kristalas”;
7 teams participated in the 480 kg weight class (3 women and 3 men) – 1st place – Velkonis – 1st team, 2nd place – “Kristalas – A”, 3rd place Ukraine A;
“Saldus Kauss” 530 kg (5 men + 1 woman) – 8 teams participated) – 1st place Jelgava district (Ozoli / Līvbērze), 2nd place “Velkonis-1”, 3rd place “Saldus”.
2 teams participated in the U-23 category – the Ukrainian team took 1st place, and the Saldus technical school team took 2nd place.
This was a good test and we can say that it is possible to organize indoor tug-of-war competitions in Latvia. Saldus county council and VVK “Saldus” have gained good experience and the organizers are satisfied with what they have done and want to repeat it in the future.
The main judge of the competition was Aivars Brakmanis, the main secretary was Raivita Tuk. The competition was served by Latvian judges and a German colleague.
The competition was opened and watched by the managers of the Sports life of Saldus region, as well as the president of the European Tug of War Federation Ralf Brauninger from Germany. For the first time, the ETWF flag was presented at the event, which decorated the competition venue. At the end, the winners received cups, all participants received ETWF and LVVF medals, and thanks were given to the judges and supporting organizers. Thanks for the tug-of-war!, Thanks for the beautiful shared cake from Saldus!
See you next time in Saldus!