Participants of the World's Strongest Man competition arrive in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

MANILA, Philippines – Various sites around the Philippines, including emerging tourist destinations, are ready to host the 41st edition of the World's Strongest Man (WSM) competition from April 28 until May 6.

In an effort to strengthen the country's bid as a worthwhile venue for international sports events, the Department of Tourism (DOT) facilitated the hosting of the WSM to boost sports tourism, particularly in the locations where the events will be held.

According to Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro, at least 30 competitors will vie for the 41st WSM championship, which involves a course of 16 events – including pulling a truck or an airplane, carrying a refrigerator, lifting an Atlas stone weighing over 1,000 pounds, and lifting huge logs.

"The competition is about stamina, skill, tactics, training, and strategy," De Castro said in a statement.

"Every event is designed to push the strongmen to their absolute limits, challenging not only their physical strength, but their agility and mental toughness, too," she added.

British strongman Eddie Hall will defend the WSM title that he won last year in Botswana.

Twelve of the 30 athletes have already arrived in Manila on Wednesday morning: Adam Derks, Martin Forsmark, Konstantine Janashia, Dennis Kholruss, Marius Lalas, Zydrunas Savickas, Vytautas Lalas, Martins Licis, Krysztof Radzikowski, Robert Oberst, Rongo Keene and lone strongwoman Kimberly Derks.

Various WSM events will take place simultaneously for nine days, in different locations both in and outside of Metro Manila starting on April 28. There will be four qualifying days (April 28 to May 1), three rest days, and two days for the finals (May 5-6).

Among the locations are: the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park; Intramuros, Manila; Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; and the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City.

Other events will be staged in Tagaytay City, Bataan, Corregidor Island, Davao City, and Coron Island.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.