(St. George, UT) - With horseshoes flying, the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament began play Monday, July 30, in Knoxville, Tenn. This two-week event attracts 1,500 athletes of varied backgrounds and multiple countries to compete at the professional level of this classic backyard pastime. The 2013 world horseshoe tournament will be held July 22-Aug. 3 at the Dixie Center in St. George.

The St. George Convention and Tourism Office won the bid to host the 2013 World Tournament one year ago and is currently engaged in facilitating the event. Kevin Lewis, Director of Sports Marketing for the Tourism Office, is representing St. George this week at Knoxville promoting the 2013 event.

“People are pretty excited about having the tournament in St. George,” Lewis said. “Many of the participants plan their family vacation around the world tournament, and the St. George area is a destination they’ve wanted to see for a long time.”

One of the goals at the tourism office is to attract events that bring positive impact to the community when visitation is slower. Lewis said this event was an ideal fit.

“The horseshoe tournament will bring a large influx of new visitors during the summer months when convention business is typically slower,” Lewis noted. “It is a nice addition to the other great events we host at the Dixie Center.”

To participate in the 2013 NHPA World Tournament, adult pitchers must have competed in four sanctioned horseshoe events prior to the middle of May 2013. Youth may apply if they have participated in one sanctioned event prior to mid May. Scholarships and cash prizes are awarded to pitchers with the highest ringer average, with the overall tournament winner garnering $4,000.