The horseshoe pitching champion of the world B次元官网网址� for his age group B次元官网网址� is looking to raise funds to help finance his next four competitions on his way to defend his title over the next year.
In the summer of 2024, Langford's Tom Moffat won first place in the 65+ Elders A division at the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament with 14 wins, 524 points and a ringer percentage of just over 78 per cent.
"It's one of those things that you don't think you can ever accomplish, but it's kind of neat, and it's something that nobody can ever take away from you," the 70-year-old explained. "It's just going to be tough the next year because everybody's aiming for you."
Over the year, he wants to compete in the Canadian Championships in Quebec in August, the world tournament in Utah in July, the Hall of Fame tournament in Missouri in May, and the world team tournament in Wisconsin in May.
"I'm driving to one of them, but airfare and all that's going to cost me like $10,000 to $12,000," he said. "So far, I've saved about $5,000 and I'm trying to get some businesses and friends to help out if they want to partner with me, and see if we can get to all those tournaments."
Moffat started playing horseshoes in 2002 when he first learned about the Greater Victoria Horseshoe Pitching Association, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year.
After two relocations, the association moved to its current facility on Kenneth Street in 1970 which boasts 28 horseshoe pitches with roofs and lights, making it one of the biggest horseshoe facilities in North America.
"It's one of those sports where anybody can play. It's great for a family, like a husband and wife and if the kids want to play too," he said, adding other activities at the facility including cornhole, darts, crib and other community events. "It's a great facility and it's cheap. Horseshoes is not expensive to actually play, the hard part is the travelling if you want to go to a lot of tournaments."
To donate to support Moffat's travels, visit or e-transfer at xpostiex@gmail.com.
