The World comes to Rochester - Nineteen Countries

Held at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds numerous teams from nineteen different countries came together to complete. Those who watched marveled at the strength, teamwork and physical mechanics these athletes utilized to defeat their opponents. Grass areas where they competed looked as if garden tillers had gone through upon the competition of each match.

The event brought 1500 competitors to Rochester for a week. All meals and hotels were purchased by each team as a package. Ask Joe Powers – his catering business provided three meals a day for a week and loved dealing with these wonderful people from all across the World.

Team tents were provided for each country to call home during the competition. You can see the tents in the background of the photo below.  

Team Tent - Belgium	Yellow Cab
Team Tent - Canada	Rochester Jaycees
Team Tent – England	Whistle Binkie’s
Team Tent – Germany	Alvin E Benike Construction
Team Tent – Ireland	Rochester Athletic Club
Team Tent – Israel	Sports Commission
Team Tent – Italy	AAA Travel
Team Tent – Japan	Soldiers Field Best Western
Team Tent – Latvia	Satisfaction Reality
Team Tent – Netherlands	MLT Group
Team Tent – Northern Ireland	Canadian Honker
Team Tent - Scotland	B & C Piano Movers
Team Tent – South Africa	Rochester Honkers
Team Tent – South Korea	ROTAB
Team Tent – Spain	Kruse Lumber
Team Tent – Switzerland	Hampton Inn
Team Tent – Sweden	Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc.
Team Tent – US	Construction Partnership
Team Tent – Wales	Andy’s Liquor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listed above are the attending countries and the sponsors of the team tents. Following the event the sponsors got to keep the tents – we were grateful for their support of the event!

For the first time in Tug of War history a team from South Korea competed. Much of the effort was based on Rochester’s Sister City relationship with the country. Local volunteers raised money for their boots. 

Graham Park was alive with fun and energy for that week back in September of 2004. Days were long and not everything went perfectly – but there were a lifetime of stories and memories experienced. Many of us will never forget the time that the World came to Rochester Minnesota!