BIZARRE SPORTS
Bog Snorkelling
Bog Snorkelling is a sporting event that consists of competitors completing two consecutive lengths of a 60-yard water filled trench cut through a peat bog, in the shortest time possible. Competitors must wear snorkels and flippers, and complete the course without using conventional swimming strokes, relying on flipper power alone. Wet suits are not compulsory, but are usually worn. Recently doctors have raised concerns about the health effects of this sport.
World Bog Snorkelling Championship
The World Bog Snorkelling Championship takes place annually every August Bank Holiday at the dense Waen Rhydd peat bog, near Llanwrtyd Wells in mid Wales, and was first held in 1985. This years event is sponsored by London Based IT consultancy SPMK Ltd.
Phillip John of Bridgend was the champion male bog snorkeller for the years 2002 to 2004 inclusive, but was defeated by Ian Hawkes on August 29, 2005. Abigail James was the champion female bog snorkeller, and Gareth Madelin the champion junior bog snorkeller, for the years 2003 and 2004.
Other bog snorkelling events take place, particularly in Wales, including the associated mountain bike bog snorkelling (where competitors must ride through the bog on specially prepared mountain bikes), and the Bog Snorkelling Triathlon.
Proceeds from the championship go to a local charity each year. Charities include the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (2005), Motor Neurone Association (2006).
(Content courtesy of Wikipedia.)
