Birdman Competition on Friday

Manama

The 21st annual charity Birdman Competition will be held tomorrow from 3pm at the British Club swimming pool in Mahooz.

It is organised by the club’s cycling section known as the Llongsteppers and features both a junior and a ‘not so grown up’ adults category.

Last year, around BD1,200 was raised for the chosen beneficiary, Hope Institute for The Blind, with over 40 ‘budding aviators’, many in fancy costumes taking to the air.

The idea of the event is to jump into the pool in wearing fancy dress and seeing how far they can “fly” down the length of the pool.

However, so far no one has been able to jump the entire length of the pool.

The participants dress-up in popular and topical themes and personalities when they dive into the pool.

Prizes are awarded for the longest jump, best costume and entertainment value. Proceeds are raised for charity from the sale of T-shirts, raffle prizes and entry fees.

Previous events have seen proceeds donated to local charities such including Hope Institute for Handicapped, RIA School, Think Pink Bahrain, Bahrain Orphanage and Tony the Dogfather.

Every year a similar contest takes place in the South of England on the Sussex coast where participants attempt to fly by jumping off a pier. Many competitors have flown the required distance only to be caught in the safety net.

 It first started at Selsey in 1971 and then moved to Bognor Regis in 1978. Since 2010, both Bognor Regis and Worthing organise the International Birdman Series with prize money on offer for exceeding a certain distance.

Entry to the British Club version is BD1 per person or BD20 for company sponsorship. Entry forms are available from the club reception and more information can be obtained on 17728245.