Pipestone Flyer
The Wetaskiwin Horseshoe Club is starting up again with drop-in and league play at 7 pm on Tuesdays at the Lions' Campground horseshoe pits. The weekly play uses a handicap system, so that those at the same level play against each other, making it fun for beginners and more experienced players alike. The club would love to welcome families as well as individuals to their drop-in league play, including families, or individuals, who are camping there for that night.
After reorganizing with Cindy Ekkel as president, the club received its Certificate of Affiliation with the Alberta Horseshoe Association in January. The Alberta Horseshoe Association helps organize a circuit of tournaments throughout the summer.
The Wetaskiwin Tournament will be held the weekend of July 12th and 13th. Calgary is slated to hold the Provincial Championships on June 28th, the Western Canadian Championships in July, and the Canadian National Championships in August.
The World Championships will be in Buffalo, New York State, July 14th to 28th where there will be 1265 contestants pitching horseshoes, so it takes considerable time to work through everyone to determine one winning champion.
Canadian Tire donated a garden shed which is set up at the Lions' campground to hold the horseshoe equipment close to the pits. The club very much appreciates this assistance.
At their first Tuesday league play, scores were kept for each player for 40 pitches to determine handicaps. Men throw for 40 feet; seniors over 65, women and children throw 30 feet. The defending Alberta 40 Foot Champion, Steve Moody, was participating, and also helping a beginner get started. The atmosphere around the pits was very welcoming and pleasant, certainly a place for interested individuals and families to come and get some exercise and enjoyment.
Anyone wanting more information may call Cindy Ekkel at 780-352-5455, or just show up on a Tuesday evening.