Sporting Event Of The Week (15)
Taking back control of your body is one of the rallying cries of the 21st century. Looking at my ageing carcass, though, I’m not sure it is worth the effort. But now that summer is in the air, at least here in the northern hemisphere, people are rushing to dispose of their clothing and give expression to their inner selves – all in a good cause, of course.
Take skinny dipping.
The world record for the largest skinny dip was set on 8th March 2015 at South Beach in Perth, Australia, when 786 participants took the plunge. But this record was well and truly smashed to smithereens last Saturday when 2,505 ladies braved temperatures of 54 degrees Fahrenheit for the mandatory five minutes off a secluded beach in Ireland’s County Wicklow.
The swim was in aid of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, a charity that supports children with cancer. As well as sponsorship and donations, organisers pledged that 10 euros from the registration fee would go to the charity. Good on ‘em.
But they can’t rest on their laurels. My sources tell me that a group in Australia are organising an attempt in February next year to take the record back down under.
Swimming in the buff I can understand but cycling? Well, last Saturday was also World Naked Bike Ride Day and several hundred intrepid cyclists set off from six points in London – Tower Hill, Regents Park, West Norwood, Hyde Park, Clapham Junction, and Kew Bridge – ending up in Hyde Park. The aim of the ride was to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists and to raise awareness on the world’s dependency on oil. It all went swimmingly, I believe.
For me I was content last Saturday to celebrate World Gin Day. That’s more than enough exercise for me.
