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Eager aviators and wingless wonders will take to the skies again this Friday … albeit briefly until a face full of water meets them to shatter their airborne dreams.
Yes, one of the kingdom’s favourite events of the year is back as the 22nd annual Birdman of Bahrain competition takes place at the British Club of Bahrain in Um Al Hassam.
The event is being organised by the Llongsteppers arm of the British Club, a popular members’ cycling group which organises entertaining events for charitable causes, and occasionally visit other countries to enjoy their passion.
Former British Club chairman and keen Llongstepper Andrew Savage is organising the annual event, and believes it is still as popular as it was in 1994 when it was launched.
He said: “It’s different and it’s fun because it requires no special skills and anyone can take part. We have individual adult’s and children’s prizes for best costume, longest jump and most entertaining flight.
“Participants can request or provide the music that accompanies their performance and the whole day has a feel-good factor. The staff from the health club are in the water at all times if assistance is needed and whilst we try to ensure a safe environment is maintained, we do have medical cover on site kindly provided by the Royal Hospital Bahrain.”
Proceeds from the day go to good causes, and the nominated charity this year is the RIA Institute, which caters for students both Bahraini and expatriate who require special education needs.
There will be other entertainment throughout the day, with Simon Cox as MC and Jackie Beadie in charge of the sounds. A live band will be playing on the grass area, which will also house a BBQ later in the day, and promotional T-shirts and raffle prizes will be on offer throughout.
Andrew added: “The Birdman of Bahrain is one of the best days of the year; the costumes that are made, the laughter on the day and the fearlessness of the entrants never fails to astound me. We then sit afterwards and digest the day’s events and discuss how we can improve the event for the next time. Long may it continue and we always look forward to welcoming new aviators willing to take the plunge.
“Each year we also unfortunately hear of some past participants who have sadly passed away, so we always remember their antics and we have a toast to the past and present Birdmen of the British Club of Bahrain.”
Entry forms for the Birdman competition are available at the British Club reception and entries are open to members and their guests. Corporate companies can sponsor their participants or individuals can partake with the nominal fee of BD1. The competition commences at 3pm with registration on the day starting at 2pm.
