Hants County was one of the teams that took part in the competition at the MacMillan Show Centre in Bible Hill. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle contentBIBLE HILL – When Carlie Ashton and her fellow 4-H members talk about the sport of tug-of-war, one of the words that comes up in conversation is adrenaline.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“I coach, so I’m kind of in a unique position, because I don’t get to actually pull,” said Ashton, who is part of the Colchester County tug-of-war team.Article contentArticle content“However, the adrenaline is insane. It’s amazing. Getting to watch how hard they’re working and just feeling the energy in the ring, it’s like no other sport.”Article contentArticle contentOn Aug. 6, tug-of-war teams representing different counties across the province gathered in the MacMillan Show Centre and went head to head over the sound of songs like John Denver’s ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ and enthusiastic cheers.Article contentAs part of the fun, the winning team, Antigonish, got to pull against Colchester County RCMP officers.Article content The winning team at the Aug. 6 tug-of-war event got to compete against Colchester County RCMP officers. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle contentColchester County’s tug-of-war team placed second overall after competing in the finals against Antigonish.Article content“We can absolutely say that these were the hardest pulls of the year,” said Ashton. “As we get close to September, things are kicking up. We’re really starting to see the competition come out.”Article contentShe shares that teams across Nova Scotia are preparing for the tug-of-war competition at this year’s 4-H Provincial Show in September.Article content“We’re just happy to be here,” continued Ashton about the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition (NSPE) event in Bible Hill. “We’ve pulled our hardest, and that’s all you can ask for.”Article contentArticle contentSTRENGTH AND STRATEGYArticle contentTug-of-war has been a long-standing event with 4-H Nova Scotia, and is engaging for both the teams that compete as well as spectators.Article contentWhile it might look like the athletes are simply just pulling a rope, Ashton said the sport is more than that. It requires strategy.Article content“In reality, we’re thinking about leverage, we’re thinking about weight,” she explains. “Each team has to weigh within 1,375 pounds. The way that we arrange our lineup is really important, because we really need to get that power against the other teams.”Article contentCoaching requires Ashton to be beside her team during each match, giving them cues on what to do.Article content“Everyone’s favorite is the back lock, when we turn and pull,” she said. “They really need that cue, so I get to give them a little spin with my finger and then run to the back, and that’s when things really get going.”
Tug-of-war part of 4-H fun at Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition
