Usually, it’s the vanquished who have to throw in the towel in a turf war. But at Hyacks Homecoming 2016, that’s one of the perks of victory.
One of the highlights of Hyacks Homecoming 2016 is the F.G. Richards Sr. Memorial Tug-of-War competition. The contest pits teams from city hall, the New Westminster and District Labour Council, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and New Westminster School District against each other to see who has the most pull in the Royal City.
And this year, the winner gets something in addition to the coveted F.G. Richards Sr. Memorial trophy, bragging rights and the odd blister: a commemorative football towel provided by event sponsor Key West Ford.
“This is towel power at its best,” said Hyacks Football head coach Farhan Lalji. “These towels are a symbol of the incredible community support Homecoming enjoys, powered by New West’s unique Royal City spirit.”
The New Westminster and District Labour Council’s “More Than They Bargained For” squad beat Mayor Jonathan Cote’s “New West City Haulers” in the finals last year.
And while Cote may not get the last word after all the pulling is done this Friday, he will get the first words when he proclaims Sept. 23 Hyacks Homecoming Day in the City of New Westminster. The mayor will read the proclamation just before the competition commences.
Hyacks Homecoming 2016 “New Look, New Ground, New West” kicks off at 4 p.m. with the alumni football game. Pre-game family-fun starts at 4:30 p.m. and features on-field kids’ activities like the bouncy castle and balloon artist Mr. Bubbles. You can also buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a car provided by event sponsor Key West Ford.
The varsity squad takes on the Carson Graham Eagles, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
