Thirty of the strongest men will be competing for the world title in Malta between Saturday 26 September and Saturday 3 October.
It is expected to be a very interesting week of activities in various colourful, historic and popular sites in Malta such as the Valletta Waterfront, the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Vittoriosa Waterfront, Golden Bay, Fort St Elmo and Wied iz-Zurrieq.
The competition in Malta is a sort of world championship which is expected to attract large crowds to the places where the events are being held.
Richard Balani, on behalf of the organisers, told a news conference yesterday at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, that the organisers expected the competition to be as popular, if not more, than when it was held in Malta for the first time 10 years ago.
Balani said the event is watched by millions on television all over the world. It is estimated that the event is viewed by over 85 million persons in 70 different countries.
It has been ongoing for 30 whole years, testing the limits of human strength, power and endurance.
He added that Malta stands to gain a lot from exposure as the places selected will depict Malta’s natural beauty, history and culture. “It will be a big showcase for Malta,” he said.
He added the athletes will pit their strength in a series of 10 different events over four days of qualifying (between next Saturday and Tuesday). The top 10 will go through to the finals to be held between Thursday and Saturday of next week.
These ‘gentle giants’ will take part in events such as Cannon Ball and Sledge, Anchor, Chain and Barrel Carry, Truck Pull, Squat Lift, Dead Lift, Car Walk, Fingal’s Fingers, Dumbbell Press, Keg Toss, Atlas Stones, Giants Farmer’s Walk, Plane Pull, Overhead Lift – Apollo’s Axle, Boat Pull and the Car Deadlift Hold.
Head referee Colin Bryce, who was also here 10 years ago, said he was glad to be back, also noticing that Malta had become more beautiful after such a period of time. “Ten years ago we had a fantastic competition and that is what we are expecting again this year. There will be no admission fee for those watching the events. We just want everyone to enjoy the spectacle offered by these very strong man in a very gruelling event.”
Bryce added that the 30 men coming over to Malta must be considered as the greatest line-up in history. “The list of athletes consists of national and continental champions. They are certainly the most powerful men in their countries. Among them is world champion for the last five years Mariusz Pudzianowski,” he said.
Also addressing the press were Lisa Comber, on behalf of IMG Sports Media, Kevin Drake of the Malta Tourism Authority and David Fleri Soler, from Express Trailers, who are also sponsoring the event, as they had done 10 years ago.
The event is also supported by the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Air Malta, Coca Cola and the Malta International Airport.
It is organised by IMG Sports Media with the assistance of Sports Promotions (Malta). They also thanked the operators of the Valletta Waterfront and Vittoriosa Waterfront, VISET, Grand Harbour Marina and the Local Councils of Mellieha, Qrendi and the Police, for their assistance.