Monday, December 16, 2013

  Heaviest Vehicle Pulled 100ft by a Woman: Lia Grimanis breaks Guinness World Records' record (VIDEO)

TORONTO, Canada -- Lia Grimanis, founder of Up With Women broke the Guinness World Records' record for the "Heaviest Vehicle Pulled 100ft By A Woman"; Lia pulled a 17,000lbs transport truck to raise awareness for women and girls at risk and to inspire women to realize they are stronger than they think they are, while setting the new world record for the Heaviest vehicle Pulled 100ft by a Woman, according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecordacademy.com/ .

  Photo: Lia Grimanis, founder of Up With Women, set a new Guinness World Record when she pulled a 17,000 lbs Canada Cartage transport truck for 100 feet. ( enlarge photo )

The Guinness World Records' record for the heaviest vehicle pulled over a level 100 ft (30.48 m) course weighed 57,243 kg (126,200 lb) and was set by Rev. Kevin Fast (Canada) on the "Live with Regis & Kelly" television show in New York, New York, USA.

  Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the heaviest vehicle pulled over 100 m (328 ft) by a team; it was a train weighing 646,350 kg (1,424,958 lbs) by a team organised by Michael Bühler (Switzerland) on 24 October 2009 in Widnau, St. Gallen, Switzerland.

  "As a survivor of homelessness and violence in the home, I wanted to show women who are struggling that anything is possible, and that we are all stronger than we think we are," said Grimanis.

  "I didn't think I would live past the age of 21. On December 12, I celebrate my 42nd birthday and I'm thrilled to use this opportunity to be able to give back through the truck pull to those who supported me when I was homeless -- the YWCA and other shelters, and invest in the lives of women and girls at risk."

  The event took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Marnie McBean, three-time Olympic champion, participated as a guest judge.

   Maple Leaf Foods, one of the event's primary sponsors is donating 10,000lbs of food - 1,000lbs for every 10 feet Lia pulled the truck - to the YWCA Toronto.

 "Lia, the Up With Women organization and the YWCA Toronto play tremendous roles in shaping bright futures for so many women and girls who need a helping hand," said Michael McCain, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods.

  "We are proud to provide the YWCA with nutritious food that will help thousands of women enjoy healthy, balanced meals and to partner with Lia to get the message out that women and girls at-risk can be the leaders they have always wanted to be."

   Canada Cartage, one of Canada's leading transportation and logistics companies, provided the transport truck for the event.

 "Our company is excited to support Lia and her foundation in this event," said Jeff Lindsay, President and CEO of Canada Cartage. "Lia's story is inspirational, and sends a message of hope and encouragement to women living in difficult circumstances."

  Up With Women helps women at-risk of homelessness to become independent and active members in their communities. They run a free year-long career-coaching program to help break the cycle of poverty.