By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
On Nov. 17 thousands of participants, including students at the New Sweden School, under the direction of physical education teacher Thomas Beckum, took part in what officials at the World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) termed the “world’s largest sport stacking event.” During the event sport stackers from all corners of the world were stacking pyramids in prescribed patterns at lightning speed for at least 30 minutes, to help break the Guinness World Record in sport stacking.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
New Sweden students, under the direction of Thomas Beckum, participated in “World’s largest sport stacking event,” on Nov. 17. From left are Kennith Thompson, Calvin Mokler, Austin Findlen, Brooklyn McLaughlin, Clara Tirrell and Tanya McLaughlin.
Sport stacking has been termed a “track meet for your hands at warp speed.” The event calls for students to “up stack and down stack” 12 especially designed cups called Speed Stacks in predetermined sequences as fast as they can. Stackers race against the clock, compete in relays and often combine sport stacking with fitness challenges as part of physical education classes.
According to the WSSA last year 316,736 stackers participated in the event, breaking the previous year’s record of 276,053. Bob Fox, WSSA founder and CEO stated, “the Guinness event is a wonderful way to bring together sport stackers across the globe. Sport stacking is an activity enjoyed by all ages and cultures. It promotes hand-eye coordination, fitness, teamwork, speed and lots of fun. This is the sixth year we’ve teamed up with Guinness World Records and we’re excited to have another shot at breaking a world record.”
Sport stacking with speed stacks is in more than 34,000 schools and youth organizations worldwide. To participate in the record-setting Stack Up, schools and organization are required to register 25 or more stackers with the WSSA. Once they have completed their 30 minutes of stacking for each participant (anytime during Nov. 17) the school is required to send in an online verification of numbers to WSSA, who in turn passes on the total count to Guinness for official recognition.
New Sweden students who participated in the event included Kennith Thompson, Calvin Mokler, Austin Findlen, Brooklyn McLaughlin, Clara Tirrell and Tanya McLaughlin.
