The Helderberg Tug of War Club has achieved unprecedented success in the 2024 season, clinching the Western Province Club Championships, Western Cape Club Championships and the coveted South African Club Championships.
This winning streak culminated in the club’s crowning as the overall nationa; club champions at the Buffeljagsrivier event held on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 June.
The club’s impressive performance saw seven men’s teams, four mixed teams, and five women’s teams (known as the Disas) participate, with each team comprising eight athletes and a reserve. The local club secured victories in both the Premier and President divisions, solidifying their position as the top tug of war club in the country.
Its representing teams won an impressive haul of medals, including one gold, two silver and one bronze in the Premier class, and one gold in the President class on the first day. The second day brought even greater success, with three gold medals and two bronze medals in the Premier class, and one gold medal and one bronze medal in the President class.
Men’s captain Tiaan Ras praised the teams’ performance, highlighting the impressive showing by younger members.
“I am very proud of both the men’s and the women’s teams,” he said. “The younger members, both scholars and under-23 members performed well beyond expectations and I am very excited about the future of Helderberg Tug of War Club, especially when you look at the under-23 teams. They are the club’s future.”
Women’s captain Chloe Smith added: “I am very proud to be a part of the Helderberg Tug of War Club. Everyone worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot for our sport. To win the South African club champs was extremely rewarding and well deserved for everyone. Our new members, school kids and under-23 members outperformed my expectations; they did extremely well and I couldn’t be more proud. I look forward to seeing them grow in this sport and seeing the, become strong athletes.”
The club looks forward to its 40th anniversary next year, honouring its enduring legacy of ensuring the sport of tug of war is a force to be reckoned with.
