In Canberra, the anticipation is building for the city’s very first jigsaw competition. For seven-year-old Maddie Rivers, jigsaw puzzles were more than just a pastime – they were a distraction during her hospital visits for cystic fibrosis treatment. Now, two years free from hospital stays, Maddie continues to find solace in puzzles, completing nearly 60 of varying sizes this year alone.
Working as a full-time public servant and studying commerce, Maddie values the mental workout and respite that jigsaw puzzles offer from her busy life. Her story is not unique; many others in Canberra share her passion for puzzles. The Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association (AJPA) has been instrumental in fostering a puzzle community across the country, with Canberra now ready to host its inaugural jigsaw competition.
Tammy Hayes, the AJPA ACT representative, recalls her early memories of puzzling with her grandmother, sparking a lifelong love for the activity. In 2021, Tammy established a local Facebook group that has since grown to over 400 members, bringing puzzle enthusiasts together for social meets and puzzle-solving sessions.
It was through one of these gatherings that Maddie discovered the world of competitive jigsaw puzzling. Intrigued by the idea of speed puzzling, Maddie participated in an online competition and found herself hooked. Now, she’s gearing up to compete in the ACT jigsaw competition, where participants will race against the clock to complete 500-piece puzzles individually and in pairs.
The competition, set to take place at Exhibition Park in Canberra, will see puzzlers vying for the top spot in their respective categories. While there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for winning, participants like Maddie emphasize the importance of sorting pieces efficiently and staying focused throughout the timed rounds.
For Maddie, the joy of puzzling lies not only in the challenge of piecing together intricate designs but also in the soothing sound of pieces being sorted. The upcoming competition promises to be a thrilling event, bringing together puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie.
Whether a seasoned puzzler or a newcomer to the world of jigsaws, the ACT State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition offers a chance to test your skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts. As the countdown to the competition begins, Canberra residents are gearing up to showcase their speed puzzling prowess and embrace the thrill of the jigsaw challenge.
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