Union Carpenters Compete for the Gold in Drywall Olympics

Edison, N.J., January 26, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Union carpenters from eight locals competed at the Carpenters Training Center, Kenilworth, N.J., on Saturday, Jan. 10, for the opportunity to represent the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters (NRCC) (www.northeastcarpenters.org)  in the Eastern District Drywall Olympics contest. 

The competition took place at the Carpenters Training Center, Kenilworth, N.J. The contestants installed about 14 sheets of sheetrock (also known as drywall) and were judged on the basis of time, neatness and safety.

"This competition highlights the commitment of union carpenters to being the best in the industry and it shows their pride of workmanship because they compete against each other to demonstrate their skillset."

Kevin P. McCabe, President, CCTNYNJ

Thomas Zaabadick, Local 254, finished first with a winning time of 35.03 minutes. He will represent the NRCC in the Eastern District contest, in Pittsburgh next month. A posting of the competition on the Internet drew more than 600 viewers who were able to watch the competitors vie for the top honor. To view the competition, visit http://www.cctnynj.org/news/?ID=2780.

Drywall is one of the most common materials used in the construction business and is also known as plasterboard, wallboard and gypsum board. It consists of gypsum (a type of finely ground rock), between two layers of extremely thick, special paper. It is favored for walls and ceilings.

The winner of the Pittsburgh competition will represent the Eastern District in the International Carpenters Training Center in Las Vegas.

Contestants brought their own hand tools to the competition but were provided with a screw gun (and cord) and a roto zip tool if they chose not to use their own.

"This competition highlights the commitment of union carpenters to being the best in the industry and it shows their pride of workmanship because they compete against each other to demonstrate their skillset,” says Kevin P. McCabe, President, Carpenter Contractor Trust (www.CCTNYNJ.org). "We congratulate all the competitors on a fine effort.”

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