Minnesota Gopher State Horseshoe Pitchers’ Association (MGSHPA)

The MGSHPA was created to promote, foster and develop the game of horseshoe pitching both as a competitive sport and recreational pastime, provide the proper facilities, and ensure the continued growth and existence of the game.

 

Structure

            The MGSHPA has an established constitution and a board of directors, as well as several assistant officers and regional directors. We are a charter of the National Horseshoe Pitchers’ Association (NHPA). There are over 30 sanctioned clubs around the state and well over 1000 members. Our membership is the largest in the country both in adult and junior members. A state tournament is held every year on Labor Day weekend to determine the best pitchers in each classification.

 

Tournaments

            The MGSHPA has over 30 advertised open tournaments held throughout the year. Some are held indoors during the winter, but most are held from April through September. Our clubs also conduct “club only” tournaments as qualifying events for our state tournament and for world tournaments. The tournament schedule is advertised in our “ringer digest,” a magazine about Minnesota horseshoe activities published 5 times per year.

 

Make a Wish

            The MGSHPA is deeply involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of MN.  The Fridley Horseshoe Club began supporting Make-A-Wish in 1999 by hosting a benefit tournament. Since 2002, we have adopted this fundraiser statewide. The MGSHPA now sponsors one child’s wish each year through the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s “Adopt-A-Wish” program. We believe that by supporting local charities such as Make-A-Wish, a positive image of our sport will be displayed and we will benefit from gaining respect and cooperation from local communities.