Some of Saskatoon’s strongest were out in full force over the weekend, all for a good cause.
Local strongmen and powerlifters came together to raise money for the YMCA‘s Strong Kids Campaign.
“This is our way to not only let them compete and have fun, but to give back to the Strong Kids Campaign that’s given everybody so much,” YMCA adult fitness coordinator Bobbi Janzen said.
The campaign is the YMCA’s major fundraising initiative, it helps families and youth who can’t afford a membership or programs by financially subsidizing fees. The program raised $13 million last year alone.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Janzen said. “It allows everyone to be active and healthy and it’s heartwarming.”
Many from Saskatoon’s strongman and powerlifting community came out to lift at the event, which included men’s and women’s lifts. A team of YMCA staff members also took part in the lifts.
The event also pitted local strongman Tom Bryson against powerlifter Jon Wawro in a head-to-head deadlift competition to see who could get as close as possible to lifting 800 pounds.
In the end, it was Bryson that came out ahead, lifting 705 pounds.
“This is what we get into it for, to try and pass on as much as you can to kids and other people and help them get involved,” Bryson said. “Both are great sports, everybody is so polite competing and training, it’s a great community to be a part of.”
Organizers said Saskatoon’s strength sports community continues to grow, and multiple gyms now offer powerlifting and strongman programs.
“For me, if you pick up a kettlebell, a dumbbell, the bar, or we got a load of 700 pounds, doesn’t matter – you’re welcome to be here,” Janzen said.
The goal for the liftoff was to raise $3,000, and the total goal for 2018 is to raise $140,000 for the campaign.