Wrestling championships coming soon

Arm wrestlers from across New York will have the chance to go over the top at the end of the month.
The New York Arm Wrestling Association (NYAWA) announced that the Village Pourhouse will host the 34th annual NYC Big Apple Grapple International Arm Wrestling Championships on Saturday, April 30.
“This unique and diverse strong-arm competition will draw both hardnosed pros and curious first time beginners who will compete in their respective weight class categories,” said, Gene Camp, founder and president of the NYAWA. “The NYC Big Apple Grapple International is the premiere Gotham City arm wrestling event that displays awesome feats of brute strength, exhausting endurance and explosive raw energy with many rivalries, hard-fought matches and a captive-cheering audience.”
The event will feature over 100 of the world’s best amateur and pro arm wrestlers, male and female, as they compete for the chance to be crowned NYC King and Queen of Arms. The day begins at 1 p.m. with a $2,000 showcase charity benefit match between 2010 World Arm Wrestling Champion Bobby Buttafuoco and Amazing Feats of Strength performer Frank “Iron Hands” Malis. If Buttafuoco wins, he will donate his winnings to Paralyzed Vets of America, and if Malis wins, his money will go to Japan Relief Fund.
There are seven weight classes for men, including a master’s division for competitors over 45 years-old, three left-handed classes and three classes for women. Competition is open to the public and divided into amateur and pro categories. First, second and third place finishers will receive custom engraved half-pound gold, silver and bronze 4-inch Olympic-sized medallions. Cash prizes of $100 will be given to first place winners of the pro categories, and the day’s overall strongest male and female will receive a bonus $200 prize and will be crowned the title of NYC King and Queen of Arms.
The top cash prize is $800 and could be won if any man could win both the right and the left hand overalls. Teams will also compete, grouped by borough, state and country with a point tally to determine the winning team.
For more information fans should visit the NYAWA web site at www.nycarms.com or call 718-544-4592.
Entry fees include $20 for amateurs and $30 for pros. Admission is $5 for this 21-and-over only show. Contestants are asked to register and weigh-in early – weigh-ins and registrations begin at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 12:45 p.m.