Passion vs. Infrastructure: The Fight to Revive Tug-of-War in Arco

In the heart of the Alto Garda region, a gritty, traditional sport is fighting for its footing. Tug-of-war—or tiro alla fune—is more than just a fairground attraction in Arco, Italy; it is a deeply rooted community tradition that is currently navigating a precarious path between passionate revival and systemic structural failure.

The Asd Tiro alla Fune Arco is attempting to reclaim its place in the sporting landscape after years of stagnation. While the enthusiasm among athletes remains high, the organization is facing a stark reality: passion alone cannot replace the necessitate for a dedicated training facility.

A Tradition Born of Local Rivalry

The modern iteration of the sport in the area was formalized in 2015, founded on the initiative of its first president, Aldo Versini. However, the roots of the discipline run much deeper than a decade of official organization. For years, tug-of-war was a staple of the social fabric in Arco, with nearly every local hamlet boasting its own team.

This era was defined by a healthy, spirited rivalry that fueled numerous competitions. The sport was a permanent fixture at the region’s most significant local celebrations, including the festivals of San Isidoro and the Addolorata, as well as the Palio di Bolognano. During this peak, the movement expanded beyond provincial borders, achieving significant results that signaled the sport’s growth and viability.

For those looking back at the sport’s local history, early footage captures the intensity of these matchups, such as the 2013 Gonfalone event featuring Arco and Ponte.

The Pandemic Setback and the Path to Recovery

The momentum built by the Asd Tiro alla Fune Arco was abruptly halted by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdowns and social distancing mandates hit the sector hard, interrupting the training cycles and competitive schedules that had sustained the movement.

Recovery has been a slow process, but the current leadership is determined to rebuild. Today, the association is powered by a motivated board of directors and a diverse roster of athletes. Notably, the team includes both men and women, highlighting the inclusive nature of a sport that relies on collective strength and synchronization rather than individual stardom.

Currently, the team maintains its visibility by participating in local events and regional sports manifestations. A key example of this community engagement was the 13th edition of the Festa dello Sport, held on September 7, 2025. The event transformed the historic center of Arco into an open-air sports stage, where tug-of-war was featured alongside dozens of other disciplines, allowing the public to experience the sport firsthand.

The Structural Wall: A Call for Support

Despite the successful return to local festivals, the ambition of the Asd Tiro alla Fune Arco extends far beyond exhibition matches. The organization aims to return to the national competition circuit, but a critical obstacle stands in the way: the lack of an adequate training structure.

President Giorgio Dalrì has been vocal about the difficulties facing the club. According to Dalrì, the absence of a proper facility for training is a primary bottleneck preventing the team from reaching a competitive national level. Here’s not an isolated issue; structural and organizational shortcomings are reportedly affecting other tug-of-war entities across the province and region.

The association is now looking toward the municipal administration for assistance in securing a space where athletes can train consistently and safely. Without this infrastructure, the gap between local passion and national competitiveness remains wide.

The Stakes for Alto Garda Sport

The struggle of the Asd Tiro alla Fune Arco serves as a microcosm for many traditional sports facing modernization challenges. While the community’s interest is evident—proven by the sport’s presence in public festivals—the transition from a “folk activity” to a professionalized athletic pursuit requires institutional support.

For the athletes in Arco, the goal is clear: to move from the streets and festival squares back into a regulated competitive environment where they can test their strength against the best in the country.

The next phase for the association depends heavily on the response from local government regarding facility access. Until then, the team will continue to keep the tradition alive through regional events and the enduring passion of its inclusive athlete base.

Do you suppose traditional sports like tug-of-war deserve more municipal funding to reach national levels? Let us know in the comments.