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IT’S one of Britain’s most unusual sporting events and it attracts hundreds of competitors and spectators to Llanwrtyd Wells every year.
‘Wales’ smallest town’ has a reputation for putting on big events such as the weird and wonderful World Bog Snorkelling Championships and now it will feature on a brand new stamp.
The event is being celebrated as part of the ‘Curious Customs’ stamp series which was issued by Royal Mail on Monday, July 9.
World Bog Snorkelling Championships Committee member Bob Greenough spoke of his pride after being revealed as one of the eight events from across Britain.
“We are delighted. At last we have been recognised for a truly difficult sport to champion. People laugh at it but it is hard.
“It’s really nice to be recognised nationally and as the only event from Wales. We’re flying the flag for Wales!”
“We knew about it for at least a year but we were sworn to secrecy. They contacted us to say that they wanted to learn more about the event.”
Bob says the reaction in Llanwrtyd Wells has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone has been wowed by the fact that we’ve been recognised from across Britain. It’s something worth doing.
“People say it’s daft but it’s very competitive. We get a lot of international interest.”
AM for Brecon and Radnorshire Kirsty Williams said she was “pleased” to mark Llanwrtyd Wells’ achievement at the Senedd.
The World Bog Snorkelling Championships is 120-yard race which the competitor can only use leg power with no arm strokes. The current record was broken last year by Neil Rutter, from Swindon, who achieved a time of 1 minute and 18 seconds.
Folklorist Steve Roud worked on the stamps and the Royal Mail has commissioned a poem by performance poet Matt Harvey titled Customs to celebrate and commemorate the customs featured.
The other customs depicted are ‘Obby ‘Oss, from Padstow; World Gurning Championship, from Egremont; Up Helly Aa, from Lerwick; Cheese Rolling, from Cooper’s Hill, Brockworth; Halloween, from Derry/Londonderry; Horn Dance, from Abbots Bromley; and Burning the Clocks, from Brighton.
The World Bog Snorkelling Championships will take place on Sunday, August 25, at Waen Rhydd peat.
