The top-ranked axe throwers from across Canada and throughout Europe will meet in Liverpool Aug. 24 and 25 for the 2019 Canadian Axe Throwing Championships.
Coordinated by the Nova Lumberjacks Society, this will be the second national championship in lumberjack sports to be held in Nova Scotia. The event will be staged in Liverpool’s Centennial Park, overlooking the picturesque Mersey River, and is projected to draw more than 1,000 daily spectators. There is no admission charge to watch this world-class event.
According to organizers, approximately 80 competitors are expected to take part in the two-day event, including those from Canada and the United States. Among the challengers are 10 to 15 European competitors, including a return of world-ranked athletes from Germany, Ireland and Sweden, along with competitors from Australia and the Czech Republic.
Competition format will be one day of qualifying throwing, with each competitor throwing 20 counting throws for a combined cumulative score out of 100 points. Following this first round, the top 20 male and top 10 female throwers will move on to the championship rounds on day two, with awards and prize money delivered at the end of the tournament.
According to the rules, only double-bit throwing axes are permitted. There will be no hatchet or knife throwing.
The total prize purse is projected at $11,000, and prizes will be awarded in both men’s and women’s divisions.
Mayor David Dagley says the Region of Queens are happy to be a sponsor of the Canadian Axe Throwing Championships for many reasons.
“We continue to have a wonderful relationship with the very capable event organizers,” he says. “Our waterfront park area is a perfect location to showcase this exciting competition and fans will be amazed by the professional accuracy of all contestants.”
Dagley says residents and visitors recognize that the Canadian Axe Throwing Championships are a must-see event, while generating considerable economic activity to many local businesses.
“August 24th and 25th will be another great weekend to spend in Queens,” he adds. “Be certain to visit and embrace our hospitality.”
Darren Hudson is a member of the board of directors with Nova Lumberjacks Society and owner/operator of Timber Lounge axe throwing facilities in Halifax and Moncton, as well as the owner of Wild Axe Productions, the producing organization for the 2019 Canadian Axe Throwing Championships.
“We are thrilled to be hosting this event for the second year in a row in Liverpool and showcasing our beautiful province to axe throwers and visitors from all over the world,” he says. “We are grateful to the community of Liverpool and the Region of Queens Municipality for their enthusiasm and support and look forward to hosting an exciting community event this weekend.”
He says Liverpool was selected to host the event for several reasons.
“The South Shore and the Town of Liverpool are such a beautiful setting,” he explains. “It is a fantastic place to promote the province of Nova Scotia to our visitors, especially our international competitors.”
Hudson says the board of directors has also received incredible enthusiasm and support from the Region of Queens Municipality towards the event.
“We’ve been working with them on a lumberjack sports events for more than two years now and because this worked out to be the perfect fit for both our organizations the first time, we knew we wanted to do it again,” he adds.
“There is so much history in the area when you think of privateers, logging, fishing, etc. right here in this region. Based on the success of last year’s event in Liverpool, we didn’t see any reason to go anywhere else.”
More information can be found on www.novalumberjacks.com.
