February 19

Tug of War Day

Celebrate Tug of War Day with friends and family - compete for bragging rights in an epic battle of strength, stamina, and strategy!

Yearly Date
February 19
Type
Day

Introduction

Calling all competitive and playful people, it's time to get ready for Tug of War Day on Feb. 19! This day celebrates the classic children's game that has been around since ancient times. It is believed that the first recorded tug of war game was played in China over 3000 years ago, and it has been popular ever since. The goal of the game is simple: two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope until one team pulls the other across a line – so grab your friends and family and start practicing now!

Tug of War Day Timeline

1044
Earliest Tug of War Depiction
Paintings in a tomb of the Han Dynasty in China depict a game of tug of war, indicating its existence over 3000 years ago.
1800s
Tug of War in Britain
The sport grew in popularity in Great Britain during the 19th century, where it was used as a show of strength between communities.
1900-1920
Olympic Sport
Tug of war was included in the Summer Olympic Games from 1900 to 1920, further increasing its global recognition.
1960
Establishment of TWIF
The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) was established, promoting the sport at an international level and setting official rules.
1995
Tug of War Day
The first Tug of War Day was observed, celebrating the age-old sport and its role in community building.

How to Celebrate Tug of War Day

1

Organize a Community Event

Gather your friends and family and organize a local tug of war event. Get permission to use a large public space, get some prizes and snacks, and invite everyone you know to join in the fun.

2

Plan a Tug of War Party

Invite your closest friends to a Tug of War themed party. Make sure to provide the necessities for a good tug of war game—a long rope, and plenty of teams for the competition. Finish off the night with a round of snacks and drinks.

3

Join a Local Competition

Look up your local Tug of War competitions and join in the fun. Competing against other teams is an amazing way to celebrate Tug of War Day.

4

Go to a Festival

Many towns and cities have festivals that include Tug of War competitions. Look up festivals near you and go join in the fun.

5

Host an Outdoor Movie Night

If you don't want to leave your house, why not host an outdoor movie night? Set up chairs in your backyard, lay out some blankets, and pop some popcorn. End the night by playing a round of tug of war!

Why We Love Tug of War Day

A

It encourages teamwork

Tug of War is the perfect game to get a group working together! It requires both strategy and strength, which means everyone has to collaborate in order to be successful. Plus, it's a great way to build camaraderie and foster team spirit among family, friends or even coworkers.

B

It gets everyone moving

Tug of War is an excellent excuse to stay active! This game may seem straightforward, but it actually requires a lot of strength and stamina as you pull against your opponents. The physical exercise involved helps raise heart rates and work muscles, plus it’s just plain fun!

C

It's something different

If you're looking for something new and exciting to do with your family or friends, why not give tug of war a try? It's simple to organize and set up - just grab some rope and away you go! And if it's too hot or cold outside, there are plenty of variations that can be played indoors as well.

Tug of War Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 18
Saturday
2024
Feb 18
Sunday
2025
Feb 18
Tuesday
2026
Feb 18
Wednesday
2027
Feb 18
Thursday