Along with a predictable sampling from Wall Street, recent converts to the sport include a growing contingent of minority youth.

The gathering included a contingent of men and women representing the French army.

It will also include a hefty contingent of West Coast performers.

It included a contingent of Navajo Indians from the reservation to take part in the chicken pull, women's races, and other contests.

The latter included a contingent in the front rows in the white and blue habits of Mother Teresa's order.

The ranks also include a sizable contingent of clergy members, with four priests, several ministers and a rabbi among the conventiongoers.

For the first time the squad also included a notable Irish contingent.

The force also included a small contingent of French and Italian troops.

More than 10 000 have taken refuge in Chad, where the peace mission includes a contingent of the Polish Army.

King Afuno's household included a large contingent of smiths.