Halle (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): The clog throwing championship in Halle, Belgium, celebrated community spirit as participants kicked wooden clogs. Zowie Boone, Wendy De Loor, and young Fenn Boon emerged as winners, showcasing local traditions.
In Halle, Belgium, sports competitions are taking place, with the recent Belgian string shooting championship followed by the Belgian clog throwing championship in Essenbeek. During the clog-throwing event, participants put their feet in wooden clogs and attempt to kick them a few meters with style. The event is organized by Marc Flament, who is part of a carnival association that preserves traditional customs. As part of their carnival celebrations, members wear wooden clogs and stomp on the streets to drive away winter spirits. The clog-throwing championship provides an opportunity to repurpose the worn-out clogs after the festivities.
What was the outcome of Halle’s clog-throwing Championship?
The annual clog-throwing championship in Halle has returned after being paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing back locals and fans of this fun sport. In clog throwing, participants throw wooden clogs as far as they can in a lighthearted competition that focuses on enjoyment rather than serious competition. Christof Blikers, a two-time champion, is excited to join in. He is known for his relaxed style and supports the Gilles, a local folklore group famous for their colorful costumes and traditional roles in local festivals.
Blikers sees the clog throwing championship as a fun social event rather than just a competition, and he knows almost everyone there. He mentioned that even though he’s won before, he finds it hard to win again because luck is just as important as skill. This year, he had to stop competing after ten throws because his foot started to hurt, and he joked about calling it a day. Even though he didn’t win, Blikers remains a cheerful and well-liked person in the clog-throwing community, showing the fun and togetherness of the event.
It has been said that the clog-throwing championship in Halle was a great success this year, bringing together people of all ages for some fun. Zowie Boone won for the men, Wendy De Loor for the women, and young Fenn Boon for the kids, showing a mix of skill and luck. The sunny weather attracted a large crowd, making the event festive and enjoyable. Organizer Marc van de Gilles was thrilled with the turnout and expressed hope for future championships, saying, “We had many participants thanks to the sunny weather, so hopefully, we can hold the championship again next year or in two years.” He mentioned that this event highlighted the community’s love for clog throwing and the importance of keeping local traditions alive, making it a key part of Halle’s culture.
