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MUST WATCH: World Water Bombing Championships

Friday, May 08 2015 by SNTV
  • Intro:

    The World Water Bombing Championships takes place in Sheffield, England on Wednesday.

    Script:

    Now into its 11th year, the World Water Bombing Championships has, so far, made quite a splash.

    Hosted at Ponds Forge in Sheffield, the event raises money for charity Macmillan Cancer Support by encouraging contestants to dress up and jump off a three-metre platform.

    Judges then score each competitor's effort or 'water bomb' based on a combination of style, flare and splash.

    Event organiser and Macmillan fundraising manager Rob Turner, said they've nearly raised £90,000 in the last 11 years, because people want to do their bit for Macmillan.

    SOUNDBITE: (English) Rob Turner, event organiser (on why the event has been successful):

    "It's the thrill seeking craziness of the event. There's no denying people like getting dressed up in a variety of costumes. Secondly, many of the teams come back because they have sadly had personal experiences of cancer and that is typical of many of the teams taking part today. They want to do their bit to support Macmillan. Not everybody is a runner or a walker or swimming as it would be. So I guess this is their way to do something to help make a difference."

    One such team was "My left testicle" which was named in honour of member Karl Longden who was competing 10 years to the day since he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour - hence the team name.

    SOUNDBITE: (English) Karl Longden, cancer survivor and competitor (on competing 10 years to the day since he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in his left testicle):

    "It shows awareness as well of the good work the (Macmillan) nurses do and what can happen ten years later doing daft things like this. Ten years ago I didn't think I would be, but here I am. This is what makes it so good."

    My Left Testicle finished third overall in the team event, while the 2015 World Championship had to be split between Robin Stannard of Derby and Brian Gumbley of Rochdale after they couldn't be separated, earning 28.5 points each on their final jumps.

    SOUNDBITE: (English) Brian Gumbley (left) and Robin Stannard (right), winners (on his secret to success):

    "It was all that pent up aggression being an accountant. 'Accountant by day, international water bomber by night'."

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