Tyler Robinson’s world championship dreams are alive thanks to an amazing display of support from his community.
A fundraising barbecue at the Maryborough Community Centre last week raised over $10,000 to send the local athlete to the World Arm Wrestling Championships in Poland from Sept. 1 to 8.
Township of Mapleton staff and the Moorefield Optimist Club organized the July 31 barbecue fundraiser, which also featured a silent auction and a “Challenge the Champ” contest.
Mapleton CAO Patty Sinnamon said the barbecue was attended by between 350 and 375 people and raised at least $10,000, enough to cover the costs of sending Robinson to the event.
“On behalf of township staff we want to thank a truly wonderful community for helping Tyler achieve his dream of competing at an international event,” said Sinnamon, adding the fundraiser could not have been a success without the many donations, silent and live auction items, and the efforts of local band Loose Change.
Sinnamon also thanked the Moorefield Optimist Club “for jumping on board with us to help organize and run the bar for the evening. An outstanding evening for an outstanding world class athlete.”
Robinson said it was great to receive so much support from his community and he is planning to train hard to be prepared for the competition.
Robinson, who began arm wrestling competitively in 2011, won the disabled division at the 2013 Canadian Arm Wrestling Championships in Timmins on June 29, placing first in both the left and right arm categories. The win qualified him for the world championship tournament.
Jeff Oosterveld, Robinson’s friend and training partner, and a former provincial arm wrestling champ, said Tyler’s progress in the sport has been amazing, “given all he’s had to go through.”
Born with cerebral palsy, Robinson’s doctors originally told his parents he would never walk. He overcame that hurdle some time ago, but as recently as 2009, Robinson still required the use of walking aids to get around.
But thanks to his perseverance and dedication to working out, resulting in improved balance and strength throughout his entire body, he has left those behind.
While he earned his trip to the world championships in the disabled division, Robinson regularly competes successfully in open categories.
During the July 31 event, Robinson and Oosterveld staged a practice match for a photo opportunity.
After falling behind briefly, Robinson eventually pinned Oosterveld. That’s not an uncommon result when the two lock wrists these days, says Oosterveld.
“Six months ago, it was a different story,” he said, adding that now, “I’m about 280 (pounds) – he’s 220 – and he owns me.”
Oosterveld says much of Robinson’s success in the sport is due to his determination and endurance.
Often opponents manage to push Robinson to within a few inches of the pin line, where he digs in and holds on until “he tires them out.”
