Sports and fitness enthusiasts will be testing their strength and endurance this weekend at the first ever Cayman Islands Strongman competition, which takes place on Saturday, 5 October at the Lion’s Centre from 1pm to 6pm. Englishman Eddie Hall, 2017 World’s Strongest Man and reigning Guinness Book of Records holder for heaviest strongman deadlift (500 kg/1,102.3lbs, 2016), is in Cayman for the event and will wow spectators with various demonstrations.

Hundreds are expected to come out and watch individuals and teams compete in five of seven events: the atlas stone (mandatory); deadlift (mandatory); farmers walk; tire flip; carry and load medley; heart walk; and bearing the cross. The top 3 teams overall and top 3 individual male and female in each category will receive medals. There will also be simulation activities for children who want to experience ‘kid size’ strongman elements.

While in Cayman, Hall, also known as “The Beast”, will speak at the Be Strong! Youth Rally, an event for year 7 to 9 students from both the public and private high schools, which will take place on Friday, 4 October at the Lion’s Centre from 10am to noon. Hall will talk about his struggles with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and how he found purpose, happiness and success through powerlifting. Also on the agenda for the rally is former Miss Teen Latecia Bush, rapper DLMND and Isaiah Bodden who will perform a skit entitled ‘If Anxiety had a Voice’. In addition, Hall will travel to the Brac on Thursday to talk to students and spread his powerful and inspiring message.

“I am excited to be a part of the first ever Cayman Strongman competition. I’ve already had such a warm welcome to the Cayman Islands and I’m looking forward to sharing my story with everyone on Friday and Saturday. I hope it will encourage people and motivate them to be strong, no matter what they’re going through,” said Hall.

The CI Strongman competition and Be Strong youth rally is being hosted by the Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organisation. Some of the proceeds from the Strongman Competition will go to local charities Cayman Heart Fund, the Alex Panton Foundation and the Anti-Bullying Foundation as well as assist Cayman’s powerlifters with expenses for overseas competitions.

Admission to the Cayman Islands Strongman Competition is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Doors open at 1pm and competition begins at 2pm. Food and drinks will also be on sale.

For more information or to register to compete, contact Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organisation President Tony Mc Inerney on 925.5335 or [email protected] or visit www.strongman.ky.

The CI Strongman competition is presented by Monster Energy and sponsored by Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture & Lands, Hurley’s Media, Generali, Accountability Services, Ltd, MAC Plumbing & Maintenance Services Ltd, Kelly Holding Events & Communications, Hopscotch Productions, FastSigns and GNC.

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