World Bog Snorkelling Championships 2010 Taking Place in Wales

    BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, August 21, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The annual muddy antics for the worldwide followers of the World Bog Snorkelling Championships is scheduled to take place this year in its home town of Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys on 29th August. The event, sponsored for the first time this year, by Fun Swim Shop, has been moved to August Bank Holiday Sunday to enable competitors and spectators the luxury of a long weekend away in this special little town.

Llanwrtyd Wells, whilst recognised as the Smallest Town in the UK, also won the Calor 'Best Village' award last year. As well as its famous size, the town has an infamous reputation for its calendar full of rather eccentric events all of which are run and managed on a voluntary basis by enthusiastic members of the local community.

The "FunSwimShop World Bog Snorkelling Championships" is organised by a voluntary committee run by Sheelagh Tompkins, herself a keen competitor in the Bog Snorkelling arena and an avid supporter of her hometown of Llanwrtyd. She, like all of the Green Events members and helpers, realises the wide reaching benefits of the events to the town and wider region.

Sheelagh told us: "These events bring people from all over the world to Wales and are raising the profile of Mid Wales which remains a largely unknown tourist destination. Being somewhat 'unusual' it also attracts huge media interest. But, not only is it good for tourism, it really livens up the town. It's so great to have so many visitors and it creates a real party atmosphere. All the events end up with parties in all the local pubs with really good live music and everyone has a good old dance!"

For those of you who have never experienced the sport of Bog Snorkelling, a visit to these world championships is highly recommended, whether as a competitor or spectator. Competitors can register in advance or on the day. The event starts at 10am but runs all day as a time trial in the two peat bog trenches at Waen Rhydd on the outskirts of Llanwrtyd. The location is amidst stunning scenery in a field in the proud ownership of local farmer John Davies (who, to date, has not taken the Bog Snorkelling challenge!).

Competitors navigate two 60yard lengths of the murky waters without using recognised swimming strokes aiming to beat the world record time of 1min 35.18 seconds held by Joanna Pitchforth from Heckmondwike. Prize categories for men, women, junior, best fancy dress and local entrant. Fancy dress is encouraged.

For more ideas for UK short breaks, activity holidays and family holidays in the UK, visit the Visit Wales website at http://www.visitwales.co.uk.

Press Notes:
Fun Swim Shop are sponsors of the 2010 World Bog Snorkelling Championships: http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/world-bog-snorkelling-championships-2010-167-c.asp.
Press: Contact Carla Lloyd ([email protected] or 0844 35 11 478.

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