Armwrestling nationals back in New Brunswick for first time in nearly 20 years

The New Brunswick provincial armwrestling competition will be held in Moncton in March. (Source: Facebook/NB-Armwrestling)

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Canadian Armwrestling Nationals will be held in New Brunswick this summer, and for Mae Colpitts, it’s well overdue.

In 2021, Colpitts’ now-husband started watching armwrestling videos at night. Colpitts initially didn’t care for the sport, but when the provincial competition kicked off in Moncton in 2022, her husband encouraged her to give it a try.

“I warmed up a bit with him in the morning and I did fairly well,” she said. “That was exciting for me in the moment. Armwrestling met me where I was.

“I realized as I got more involved in the sport that’s what it represents: Opportunity.”

Colpitts is now the treasurer and secretary for the New Brunswick Armwrestling Association, which will be putting on the provincial competition at the Moncton Dart Club on March 28. Competitors who want to head to the nationals this June will need to test their might at this event.

Jamie LeBlanc, president of the association, said he helped reform the New Brunswick Armwrestling Association in 2019 after it had been dormant. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity, despite a setback with COVID-19.

“Most people tell me it’s the biggest it’s been in a long time,” he said. “Everyone’s been chipping in. COVID was a big hit to us. Having to lock hands, people are in close proximities, we couldn’t use rubber gloves.

“I was super glad to see it didn’t take much time to get our momentum back.”

LeBlanc said he “dove right in headfirst” into armwrestling. Along with promoting and competing in the events, he also referees competitions. He’s hopeful he can continue to help the sport expand.

“I’m putting matches in the woodpile and seeing if they keep burning,” he said. “I get a rush of adrenaline every time I’m in the atmosphere. The camaraderie between the athletes is second to none.”

According to the Canadian Armwrestling Federation’s website, the nationals last came to New Brunswick for the 2007 event in Fredericton. P.E.I. hosted the event in 2009 and 2014 while Nova Scotia held it in 2017 and 2023.

“It’s a proud province moment (to have nationals),” Colpitts aid. “It’s a huge honour and it reflects how much the sport has grown here. It puts us on the national stage.”

LeBlanc said the national competition could attract up to 500 athletes.

“We’re definitely looking to attract as many people as possible,” he said. “They’ll have their families come along from all the provinces. Two years ago, we had about 900 entries in Quebec. That’s very exciting.

“It’s going to have a good impact on the community. Close to 1,000 people in the city for the weekend event.”

LeBlanc said the sport involves more than just strength and he encourages people to explore the different styles if they’re interested.

“My biggest suggestion is to find a club and practice,” he said. “Do a little homework. There’s lots to take in when you’re a new athlete. It’s like a mini jiu-jitsu. There’s strength involved but technique is just as important.”

Colpitts has one piece of advice for anyone who wants to try competitive armwrestling: go for it.

“You just got to show up,” she said. “You just have to have that courage to try. I’m 100 pounds soaking wet and I pull against ladies that are double my weight and it’s pretty amazing what can come of it.”

The nationals will be held at the Moncton Coliseum from June 26 to 28.

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