Eight members of the Sooke Horseshoe Pitching Association (SHPA) have set their sights on making Sooke proud at the world championships.

"We've never gone to the worlds before," said SHPA president Chantal Wilson, a member of the club since 2016. "The whole club is very excited."

Steve and Gail Bishop, Dennis Umpleby, Kate Potvin, Steve Holden, Elaine McMath, Sante Michielin, Ken Bradley, and June Lanzby are heading to the World Tournament, which takes place from July 20 to Aug. 10 in Kenniwick, Washington, where about 550 men, women, and youth from around the world will compete in a number of different categories.

"Some of us have been all over B.C., competing in the Island and provincial championships before, but nothing like this," said Steve Bishop, who's been a member of the association for the past eight years. "This is the big one, and we're glad we have the chance to get ready at the Canadian Championships in Abbotsford, July 23 to July 27."

"Horseshoes is a heck of a lot of fun and good exercise, whatever your level of skill," said his wife, Gail Bishop. "We're really looking forward to the challenge, and the opportunity to promote the club and our community of Sooke."

With more than 50 members, the SHPA is one of the fastest growing club in B.C., Wilson noted.

"We've been working tirelessly and hard to get all weather roofing over six of our pits," she said. "The project would not have been possible without the generous support from the community. The big picture part of our five-year plan is to add more covered pits and a clubhouse so we can host tournaments like the Islands and the provincials in the future."

The District of Sooke is assisting the association's vision for growth and development with $11,000 in grants, and making more land available for a clubhouse.

"New Horizons for Seniors is another great organization that generously granted us with $22,000," Wilson said. "We would also like to thank Home Hardware, Pharmasave, Village Food Markets, and Sooke Castle and Mosiac Forestry for their continued support." 

If you would like information on becoming a member, email sookehorseshoes@shaw.ca.