Birdman event gives charity a jump-start

Manama : Charity was the big winner yesterday with an estimated BD1,200 raised for the RIA School in Adliya at the British Club’s 22nd annual Birdman Competition for ‘budding aviators.’

The event, held at the club’s swimming pool in its Mahooz premises, was organised by the Llongsteppers cycling section of the club. It featured 26 youngsters in the children’s category and 18 in the ‘not so grown-up’ adults category.

The event urges participants to wear fancy dress focused on popular and topical themes and personalities when they dive or jump into the pool. It would also be measured how far they can “fly” down the length of the pool. Currently, no one has yet jumped the entire distance of the pool so far.

In the children’s section, themed participants included The Atom Bomb, Harry Potter, The Dark Side, Fire Starters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Queen Elizabeth and Prince William, Bennie’s Heroes and British Club Super Heroes and Villains.

The adult category included Red Arrow, Lily The Pink Sister, Coco The Clown, Eddie The Eagle, James Bond, Mr Oldfart, Bye Bye Baby and Savage and Coy.

All the ‘would be aviators’ selected a theme song organised by DJ Jackie Beedie before jumping in both categories.

Prize winners in the junior were Oliver (Harry Potter) for the longest jump, British Club Wild Life (Ella and David Smith) for best costume and Super Heroes and Villains for being the most entertaining. 

Winners in the adults category were, Mr B C for best costume, Bye Bye Baby for entertainment value and Tricia/Mike Jackson for longest jump.

Proceeds for RIA school came through the sales of T-shirts, raffle prizes and entry fees.

“Thanks again to the British Club for its continued support and great community spirit. I thank everyone who had a great day out and all involved,” said RIA School Students Director.

“It was a brilliant day of fun and both members and guests contributing to fund a worthy cause,” said Llongsteppers Chairman Stewart Walters.