Sport In Profile UK Issue 02 | Page 44

WORLD BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIPS WORLD BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIPS Described in Lonely Planet as one of the top 50 “must do” things from around the world in 2014, and this year sponsored by Hooper’s; The World Bog Snorkelling Championship was first held in 1986. It now attracts around 150 competitors each year and is a truly international event attracting competitors from all parts of the globe including Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Poland, South Africa, USA, Spain and more. Event representative Jen Walsby took the time to tell us more saying, “I moved to Llanwrtyd Wells in 2010 and in the first summer took part in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, attempting the world record. I thought I’d made good time: 2mins 30 seconds, but was a minute off the record! Since then I have helped to marshal the event - timing snorkelers, selling t-shirts, etc. and in 2014 took over the organisation of the event with my partner and 3 friends. My favourite memories include watching a darlek try to swim the bog and last year a journalist from Australia covered in pink balloons, she struggled to get in and out, but amazingly swam both lengths. The pleasure of guests who come to take part in the event is greatly rewarding as is the welcome they receive from local people. For me the biggest challenge is fitting in breakfast for our B&B guests before dashing to the bog site and being ready for the day. The enthusiasm and tenacity of Gordon Green the originator of the event and subsequent organisers have been key to the event’s success, but it would be nothing without the fun loving people who come to take part in all weathers from around Britain and across the globe. 44 ISSUE 02