TRURO - The sport of disc dog has grown in popularity so much that the entries to this weekend's Maritime Disc Dog Cup has tripled.
"There are people coming from as far away as Ontario to try to win this," said Andre Landry, who is organizing the event and who will also try to retain his single disc title with his dog, Crash.
"All of our title winners from last year are returning to defend their titles," he said.
During the two-day event, which begins Saturday, 60 teams (handler and dog) will take to the Timbits soccer pitch on the corner of Lorne and Park streets.
There are five divisions this year - men's (20 registered), women's (28), juniors (six), freestyle (18) and mini (two).
"We have 13 people registered from the immediate Colchester County area," said Landry.
Over the years, Landry said the sport has grown considerably.
"We had a trial in 2009, but nothing happened after that for almost a year."
Following that trial, Landry said Howard Kadish, a judge and head of the Canadian Disc Dog Association, hosted a judges clinic.
"We hoped by having the clinic, we would have an easier time getting things going," Landry said.
In 2010 and 2011, there were two trials both years, with that number increasing to 40 in the Maritimes in 2012.
"That's how much it's growing in popularity."
In the freestyle category, teams are given 90 seconds to attempt as many different tricks as they can.
In single disc, competitors have two one-minute rounds per trial (three trials) to make a catch, the furthest distance as possible.
Because last year's competition didn't include men's and women's categories, there was an overall winner - Charlotte Isnor and her dog, Bliss.
Amanda Keddy and Wink won the mini division, while Alex O'Handley and Whiplash won the junior division.
If the weather is really bad, Landry said the event will be held at the Agridome in Bible Hill.
rtetanish@trurodaily.com
IF YOU GO
WHAT: 2nd annual Maritime Disc Dog Cup
WHEN: Oct. 27, 28
WHERE: Timbits Soccer Field (corner of Park and Lorne streets in Truro)
NOTE: 60 teams are registered in a total of five divisions - men, women, junior, mini and freestyle; in case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Agridome in Bible Hill.
