A group of Tamworth locals are using their muscles to help others that are losing the use of their own.
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The first ever Tamworth Strongman Competition for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is being held on October 12, and is sure to wow a big crowd with the main event, which will see the state's strongest men and women pulling vintage fire engines down the street.
The event is the brainchild of local firefighter and personal trainer Malachi Schofield, who is using the showpiece to raise funds for the upcoming Firies Climb for MND, which will see seven locals taking on the 1504 steps of the Sydney Tower in full kit.
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"The strongman events are something I have been involved with before, and always make for a great spectacle and good day out - something different," Mr Schofield said.
"Tamworth is known as a bit of an MND hot-spot, and it is a terrible thing, so this is just another way we can raise some money and awareness to help people out."
While registrations are still open for the event, at least 10 athletes have already registered, and surprisingly the field will comprise half men and half women, who will compete across several events and categories.
As well as using a body harness to pull a seven tonne fire truck, the contestants will also take on some more traditional challenges.
These will include the log - "a true test of brute strength" where entrants lift a large log from the ground to above their head as many times as possible in a set time frame.
There will also be a farmers carry, the awkward axel bar, and a yoke carry to name a few.
The competition is being held in the carpark of the Club Synergy Gym on Kable Avenue from 8.30am, with spectators welcome to attend.
"It will be a great family day out with face painting, a sausage sizzle and plenty of entertainment and fun," Mr Schofield said.
In November the seven Tamworth Firefighters will join hundreds of colleagues from all over the nation in Sydney for the Firies Climb for MND.
Since 2015 the challenge has raised over $2 million for research. Anyone wishing to donate to Team Tamworth can do so via the Firies Climb for MND website.
