Did you know there is a South African Tug of War Federation?
And did you know that the highest percentage of Springbok tug of war athletes hail from the Breedekloof (or officially the Goudini club)?
They also compete in tent pegging/Gymkhana equestrian sports and jukskei, a 270-year-old folk sport. An eclectic mix of pastimes, but judging by the feedback, something the people of the Breedekloof are very passionate about and known for around the country. *I did not know.
An official tug of war match consists of seven men on each side. Farmer and owner Frans de Villiers of La Bri in the Breedekloof explains it as a very cerebral game. While Attie Louw of Opstal says it’s a compelling thing to watch, the teams will silently feel each other out, holding fast for several minutes, and then suddenly drop, each participant playing a vital role. The objective being merely to hold on. In retrospect, the perfect farming sport.
