Press Release
“Pulling for Peace” yesterday announced that former Minnesota Vikings’ defensive end Carl Eller has agreed to anchor Team U.S.A. in the International Tug-of-War “celebrity pull” to be held July 2, 2013.
“Pulling for Peace” conducts the annual International Tug-of-War across the Rainy River which marks the border between Canada and the U.S. as part of “International Peaceful Borders Day” proclaimed by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in appreciation of “the blessings of good friends and good neighbours across peaceful borders.”
The two countries share the longest undefended border in the world, and have had peaceful relations for nearly 200 years.
“When I retired from football, I hung up my jersey but not my competitive spirit,” stated the six-time Pro Bowler.
“To paraphrase former N.Y. Jets quarterback Joe Namath, ‘I guarantee a victory over Canada in the 2013 International Tug-of-War Celebrity Pull,’” added Eller, a 2004 Football Hall of Fame inductee.
“We are pleased to have ‘tackled’ Carl Eller for next year’s tug-of-war,” said International Falls Mayor Tim “Chopper” McBride.
“Carl is just one of 16 Vikings in Pro Football’s Hall of Fame and it is an honour to have him on the pull next year,” he added.
Shawn Mason, development director for International Falls, noted Team U.S.A. celebrity talent scout Robin Bjorkquist was at the Vikings’ training camp recruiting for next year’s team.
“Robin has done a great job connecting us with Vikings’ management and players,” said Mason.
“Robin’s effort, together with the natural beauty our area displays when the Vikings come up to visit, is paying off,” she added. “Once we get them here, they talk about us and want to come back.
“In 2013, we are adding a charity dinner in support of Backus the night before the ‘pull,’ so we are seeing how this event not only promotes International Falls but also provides a fundraising opportunity for Backus,” Mason said.
More information on the International Tug-of-War is available at www.pullingforpeace.com
