Strongman competition raises money for charity

Southeast Missourian

An event in Jackson on Saturday will pit contestants against one another in tests of strength and physical endurance to raise money for charity. The first Men of Steel competition will take place at 10 a.m. at the ARI Inc. manufacturing plant, 1305 Lenco Ave. The public is invited to attend the event, which will raise money for the Toys for Tots charity. ARI's Jackson plant, which manufactures rail car components, is sponsoring the competition in league with several other local businesses, plant manager Brian Blankenship said. ARI employees will compete in tests of strength and cardiovascular health. Each competitor will be sponsored by a business, with the money going to benefit Toys for Tots. T-shirts and concessions will also be sold at the event, with all proceeds going to the charity. Blankenship said the contest will include six events modeled on strongman and lumberjack competitions, including a 8,800-pound truck pull. The plan is to make the event yearly, opening the field to community competitors after this year, Blankenship said. For more information, call ARI at 243-8179.