Who let the dogs out?

Deep in the midst of finals season, one is reminded at this time of year of just how deep tribal loyalties run in the human psyche. But for participants at the second annual Wentworth Park Games last Sunday, it really was a case of enjoying the sunshine and letting the dogs out.

This year, the dogs were split into two size divisions for the ‘Wenty Park Mongrel Cups’ (the ‘Mini-Mutt Cup’ and the ‘Maxi-Mutt Cup’), with races held on the famous greyhound racing track. Co-convenor Mary Mortimer said the day centred primarily on dogs and kids.

“Unlike many other festivals and community days, which are based on markets, performances and music – wonderful things in their own rights – today is all about participation,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, in attendance with her dog Banjo. “The activities and competitions are all refreshingly low-tech, and there is something for everyone.”

These low-tech activities – including gumboot throwing, wineglass-carrying races and ‘Beckham bending’ – were held on the oval inside the dog track, while inter-suburb competition between Glebe/Forest Lodge and Pyrmont/Ultimo featured a bocce competition, as well a tug o’ war.

Cr Moore said impending improvements for Wentworth Park would include replacing the wall on Wattle Street, improving the north-south connection through the park, and the removal of the storage bunkers which currently block the arch spaces under the light rail bridge.

And the tribal loyalties? For what it’s worth, when the points were eventually tallied, Glebe/Forest Lodge repeated their success from last year and walked away with the ‘Gumboot Cup’, again defeating Pyrmont/Ultimo. It can be safely assumed it’s a defeat that won’t be taken lying down.