Stretcher team challenge not for the faint-hearted

Courage, commitment, and comradeship are the essential ingredients needed in order to enter the Warkworth & Districts A&P Show military art competition on January 22.

Clubs, businesses, families and friends are being invited to muster up a team of at least five members to compete in a series of stretcher races and other gruelling challenges starting at 11am on show day.

Military Arts Club coordinator Max Carpenter says up to 24 teams are able to compete and the more participants the merrier.

“Depending on the amount of teams, there will be a number of stretcher heats and elimination rounds held before a grand winner is found,” Max says.

The winning team will receive a $150 voucher to spend at Stables Restaurant, at the Matakana Country Park.

“While stretcher racing is a lot of fun, it is also very hard work. When the whistle blows people who have never entered a stretcher race before suddenly discover how heavy a person lying on a stretcher can be. A coordinated effort from the whole team is required to complete the 100m dash which has many obstacles.”

Max says a good level of fitness is required if participants are going to race competitively.

“A giant game of tug-of-war will be held in the arena around midday. The rope is 200m long and around 150 people are able to participate. It should be an entertaining event.”

To enter contact Max on 422 9944.

Pictured: A number of brave volunteers are needed for the Warkworth & Districts A&P Show military art competition on January 22.