Rednecks hold parallel games in US

An event formerly known as the Redneck Olympics is being held in Maine in the US but can't use the term Olympics after the real Olympics threatened to sue.

Spectators cheer as a pickup truck splashes through mud at an event formerly called the Redneck Olympics

Spectators cheer as a pickup truck splashes through mud at an event formerly called the Redneck Olympics in Hebron, Maine. Source: AAP

There will be no world-class athletes or top-notch sporting venues but you will find barbecues, beer and muddy tugs of war at the event formerly known as the Redneck Olympics.

The weekend event, now officially known as the "Redneck (Blank)" after the real Olympics threatened to sue, also features a pie-eating contest, bobbing for pig's feet, a greased watermelon haul and toilet seat horseshoes.
A participant prepares to throw a toilet seat during the toss competition at 2011 Redneck Games.
A participant prepares to throw a toilet seat during the toss competition at 2011 Redneck Games. Source: AAP
If that's not redneck enough, then there's a wife-hauling contest and free mud runs for big-tyred pickup trucks.

Organiser Harold Brooks said it's all about regular folks having fun without airs of pretentiousness.

"For me, a redneck doesn't mean a person who's dumb or lazy. A redneck to me means someone who can laugh at themselves. They're a hard-working group of people who can let loose and have a good time," he said.

Spectators are encouraged to get into the act during the "competition," but actual athletic skills are not a requirement.
Robert "Robo" Sprague and his wife Rawni dive into a mud-filled pool during the 2011 Redneck Games.
Robert "Robo" Sprague and his wife Rawni dive into a mud-filled pool during the 2011 Redneck Games. Source: AAP
There are faux gold, silver and bronze medals for winners of Saturday's contests. But these aren't Olympic events. The US Olympic Committee put the kibosh on the "Redneck Olympics" name in 2011, Brooks said.

That doesn't mean rednecks went down without a fight. On Saturday, T-shirts were emblazoned with "Redneck Olympics" - with "Olympics" crossed out.

Brooks said his event is more fun and affordable than the real Olympic Games, which he believes has grown too big for its britches.

"The average redneck couldn't afford to go the Olympics," he said.


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Source: AAP


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