The 2022 World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament Championship begins today (Monday) at the Monroe Civic Center. President of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Gary Roberts says the tournament brings people from more than 40 states, four foreign countries and he equates it to a big family reunion.
“We’ve developed all kinds of friendships and renew those friendship and we have great competition and it’s a great event for all of us,” Roberts said
The tournament is divided into a plethora of divisions including the elders, seniors, junior and cadet divisions highlighting how the sport is played by all ages. Roberts said the winner will take home about $3,000 prize money along with trophies but first they need to defeat some distinguished competition.
“We have Allen Francis who is known as the greatest horseshoe pitcher to ever walk on a horseshoe court. He’s 25 times world champion and he will be here again trying to make that 26,” Roberts said
Horseshoe pitching is a sport rich in history that’s finds its roots in the ancient roman days and was played through the American Revolution. Roberts said it’s special because you’re never really out of the game.
“In some sports like bowling if your opponents starts out with five straight strikes you can’t catch them but in horseshoes you can make a comeback and cancel their ringers and still win the game,” Roberts said.
The tournament will run until July 23rd.
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