SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/261418
25 www.sportseventsmagazine.com February 2014 SPORT Report ▼ tronics into the scoring process in the World Championships, helping to modern- ize the image of the sport and show that it is "growing with changing times and tech- nology," Hawkins said. Joys Of Competing & Other Benefits Besides the enjoyment of competing, Hawkins said there is another benefit to participation in NHPA and its events— weight loss. According to an article in ThirdAge.com, pitching horseshoes pro- motes fat metabolism more efficiently than jogging, helping to lower cholesterol levels and fight hardening of the arteries. It strengthens the hands, wrists, arms, shoul- ders, back and legs, and helps maintain healthy bones. And because horseshoes are light, only two and half pounds, there's lit- tle chance of strains. "Game-related injuries are rare, and doc- tors have repeatedly stressed the beneficial aspects of this sport. A good rousing game will involve more walking than golf and more bending than tennis doubles. If you get to play in a tournament, you might walk five miles, bend up to five hundred times, and throw more than a ton of steel and enjoy it," Hawkins said. The typical horseshoe pitcher, according to a University of Central Oklahoma study of 1,103 respondents, is male, married and over the age of 50. He enjoys other outdoor activities and may also be an active bowler. "The majority of our members competes in at least seven events during the season, and will travel more than 50 miles in order to attend a horseshoe pitching event." Event Needs There are more than 2,200 events held na- tionwide by NHPA charters and local clubs, and there are specific venue needs for this sport, Hawkins said. "For our annual World Championship Tournament, NHPA seeks indoor arenas, convention centers or exhibit halls that are air conditioned and have a level concrete floor. They must have at least 50,000 square feet of unobstructed floor space to install up to 50 portable horseshoe courts, ample lighting, and a ceiling with enough clearance for a horseshoe to be thrown." Hawkins said the charter organizations, clubs and leagues typically hold their events outdoors in venues like city parks, which means they need permanent horse- shoe courts to be available. In a host destination, NHPA looks first for a suitable venue. Also high on the list are opportunities to enjoy the locales. "Our membership ultimately makes the decision on our locations, and they also consider the tourism aspects of each destination. Many families use our annual event as their fam- ily vacation." As for any unique needs, NHPA requires clay for setting up the pitching courts. All other equipment is provided by NHPA. Hawkins said NHPA benefits from its re- lationships with local tourism offices and sports commissions. "Success of the event is vital to their vested interest. Additionally, they are most familiar with the services and venues in the city, making them better equipped to secure and negotiate additional services that might be needed," she said. When asked what about pitching horse- shoes is so appealing, Hawkins answered, "What our members enjoy most about pitching horseshoes is, it's fun; it's a great way to socialize with people who have similar interests; it's good exercise; and it's a lifetime sport." ■ "For our annual World Championship Tournament, NHPA seeks indoor arenas, convention centers or exhibit halls that are air conditioned and have a level concrete floor. They must have at least 50,000 square feet of unobstructed floor space, and a ceiling with enough clearance for a horseshoe to be thrown." *21-27 SE FEB 2014_Layout 1 2/11/14 11:17 AM Page 25