STRONGMEN ADD THEIR STRENGTH TO MISSION CHRISTMAS AT INTU METROCENTRE

Newcastle currently has 12 of the strongest men on the planet in town ready for Saturday’s World Championship showdown at the Metro Radio Arena, but preparations were put on hold as Eric Dawson (USA) and Raffael Gordzielik (Germany) visited intu Metrocentre to buy toys for disadvantaged children in aid of the Mission Christmas campaign.

The Christmas appeal, which has ran for 16 years, aims to ensure that no child gets forgotten over the festive period and distributes toys to thousands of children across the North East who would otherwise wake up to nothing on Christmas Day.

Eric Dawson, AKA the “Cookie Monster” said “as a father myself, it’s sad to think there are kids out there who will get nothing over Christmas. Even if one kid has a better Christmas thanks to the toys given to Charity today, then I’ll be extremely happy.”

Ultimate Strongman are also urging all fans attending Saturday’s live arena event to bring a toy with them, whether old or new, to support Mission Christmas.

Eric went on to say “How fantastic would it be if everyone brought a toy with them to the Metro Radio Arena. We would then start to make a massive difference to thousands of disadvantaged children.”

Saturday see’s the likes of Eddie “The Beast” Hall, 6 times UK’s Strongest Man and the only person in history to deadlift 500 kg’s and Zydrunas Savikas aka “Big Z”, 4 times World Strongest Man and considered by many as the greatest strongman of all time, go head to head to be crowned champion.

Designed to give fans a real close up of the action, this will be the first indoor arena world championship event to be staged in the UK.

The World Championship title will be decided over five disciplines, including the legendary Atlas Stones, The Super Yoke, Monster Tyre Flip and fans favourite the Deadlift Challenge.