Estevan armwrestling club promotes the sport at open house

ESTEVAN - Estevan Southern Impact Armwrestling hosted an open house, practice and barbecue on Saturday afternoon at Flawless Sales and Services.

Desiree Da Silva said they had 50-60 people in attendance, with people from throughout southeast Saskatchewan and even Montana participating. Most of those present were members of the Saskatchewan Armwrestling Association, and the others were individuals with an interest in the sport. Some have already committed to attending a future practice.

"It was just so everybody could get to know each other, and then Estevan could host a practice … so that people in Estevan could get to know more about arm wrestling, and we could have a bigger club here," said Da Silva.

There was a competition at the end of the day with King and Queen of the Table matches. Da Silva described it as a friendly competition without categories for weight or size. Separate divisions were offered for men's and women's left-handed and right-handed competitors.

"You come up to the table and you stay there until you lose, and whoever wins against everybody at this round-about table wins money," said Da Silva.

It was a $10 buy-in. Half of the money went to the winner, and the other half went to the club, which is fundraising to purchase another armwrestling table. The cost is $400-$800. Solomon Latimer of Qu'Appelle won both men's events and Annae Ritter of Moose Jaw won the women's divisions.

George Iszakouits, who is known in the sport as Crazy George, made a special appearance in Estevan and accepted challenges from the public. Da Silva noted Iszakouits is in his mid-70s but still competes, travelling across Canada to attend as many events as possible. He came from London, Ont., to be in Estevan.

"George has accomplished lots," said Da Silva. "He's been world champion. He's been a national champion. He's pulled in many different armwrestling leagues, and won championships at that."

Iszakouits also came up with the King's Move, in which a competitor goes from a deficit position and comes back to win the match.

A barbecue and children's activities were also held during the day.

Da Silva invites the public to attend the club's practices every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Flawless Sales and Services.