And Finally » Sport

Football-Playing Elephants Amaze Tourists In Heavyweight World Cup

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:29:56 +0000

England and Brazil may be in different groups for this year’s World Cup, but in Thailand the teams have already clashed.

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As these incredible pictures show, the game was not between 22 men on a grass pitch in South Africa but two giant elephants at the Maesa Elephant Camp 700km north of Bangkok.

As supporters cheered from the sidelines the female elephants dribbled, dodged and kicked the ball between two goalposts during the 20 minute game.

Mahout Wasan Khumdeang said: “We train every day, but they are very powerful and it can be difficult to teach them to control their kicks.

“The elephants love football as it keeps them stimulated and exercises them at the same time.”

Twelve-year-old ‘Rooney’ Duanpen was painted with the England strip while 13-year-old ‘Kaka’ Thongsri represented the Brazilian team.

And should the two teams meet in South Africa then this match could prove to be a good omen with England defeating the Samba boys 3-2 in an end to end game.

Jobless after forestry was banned in Thailand, these jumbo sized players entertain tourists to earn money.

An official said: “They had become lazy and we wanted to keep them occupied and active. Besides the money they earn is used to feed and look after them.”

Most of the elephants employed in the logging industry were put out of work after forestry was banned in Thailand in 1989.

Maesa is one of the several elephant camps in Northern Thailand where elephants are trained to entertain tourists.

One tourist said: “It is so funny to see the elephant holding a ball in his trunk and kicking it across the pitch. The other was quite a good goalie too.”

Besides playing football, the elephants are trained to paint, play musical instruments and give massages.

Words by Lucy Tatchell

Fred Grzybowski, The World’s Best Extreme Pogo Artist

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:28:37 +0000

Fred Grzybowski is the world’s premier extreme pogo artist.

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Able to clear eight foot of air on his stick, Fred holds the world record for the number of consecutive back-flips, which stands at nine.

Believed to be the first to combine height, back and front flips, Fred is acknowledged to be the Tony Hawks of the pogo-world.

Using heavy duty rubber bands to provide extra lift, Fred uses a “Flybar’ pogo stick, which was created by SBI Enterprises.

Capable of launching a 250-pound man five feet in the air, 5 feet 8 inch, 140 pound Fred obviously gets far more out of it.

9-Year-Old World Record Breaking Limbo Skater

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:09:45 +0000

Nine year old student Rohan Ajit Kokane from Belgaum in the Southern Indian state of Karnataka set a new world record when he performed the longest blindfolded limbo skate under 4 cars, clearing a height of 6.75 inches!

Cape Town Surfers Set New World Record

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:10:24 +0000

Over one hundred surfers lined up on the same ocean wave in a bid to break a world record.

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It started with 443 keen surfers of every age and ability paddling out from the Muizenberg beach in Cape Town, South Africa.

Bobbing around on their boards, the wetsuit clad men and women patiently waited to be told which wave to catch.

On the fourth attempt, 110 surfers managed to stand for five seconds – smashing the previous record set in Brazil of 100 surfers.

“There were more than 1,000 people on the beach and everyone was in high spirits with plenty of cheering and hooting as the surfers took off and rode the wave,” said record organiser and founder of Earthwave Paul Botha.

“We made seven attempts on the record in one hour this year. The fourth attempt produced the most surfers on one wave, with an estimated 120 riding at one time.

“Photographic evidence proved there were 110 surfers still riding five seconds after taking off.”

The Earthwave concept was developed three years ago to promote awareness of climate change while at the same time attempting to break world records.

In 2006, Earthwave South Africa raised the record from 44 to 73, before Earthwave Brazil increased it to 84 surfers on one wave in 2007 and an incredible 100 in 2008.

Back in South Africa, organising hundreds of surfers for the October record attempt was no easy task.

As they paddled in to the ocean, a jetski piloted by an experienced surfer patrolled behind the break.

He chose which wave to catch, and a PA system on the beach conveyed this to the surfers waiting in the lineup.

When the right wave began to break, as many surfers as possible stood on their boards for as long as they could.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and we are already in the process of setting up Earthwave 2010 and will be intensifying our efforts to get more countries involved,” said 60-year-old Paul.

The surfers are eagerly awaiting their record to be confirmed by Guinness World Records.

Words by Lucy Tatchell

181 Women Set New Skydiving World Record

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:25:49 +0000

Spanning across the Californian skyline in pretty pink, 181 female skydivers from 31 different countries set a new women’s formation record.

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Jumping from 17,000ft from nine separate planes, the skydive brought some of the worlds best know divers together.

Making eight practice jumps up until last Friday (25/09/09), the team of 181 free-falling ladies took six attempts to nail it on Saturday.

Finally holding formation for 3.8 seconds, at 1.30pm the group set the world record for women’s formation skydiving.

Raising money for breast cancer at the same time, they managed to net over £562,000.

“I butchered the word ‘thank you’ in 20 different languages after the jump,” says Mallory Lewis, co-founder of charity, Jump for the Cause.

“It was one hundred and four degrees in the Californian sun that day and we were happy to get this record done and approved.”

The record has been recognised by the Federal Aviation Authority in the US and the participants hailed from as far and wide as Russia to Venezuela.

Some of the jumpers were breast cancer survivors themselves or have known people who have suffered from the illness.

Previous skydiving events in 1999, 2002 and 2005 raised a combined total of over £620,000 and broke the previous world records with 119 women in 1999, 131 women in 2002 and 151 in 2005.

“The dedication and passion these women bring to this event is inspiring,” said Lewis. “All national and religious differences have been put aside to fight the common enemy, breast cancer!”

Words by James Nye

Fred Grzybowski, The World’s Best Extreme Pogo Artist

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:14:14 +0000

Flying over a car using only his pogo stick, this is Fred Grzybowski, the world’s premier extreme pogo artist.

For full story and pictures:

Able to clear eight foot of air on his stick, Fred is set on bringing to the world of pogo the same glamour that skateboarding and snowboarding enjoy.

Pogoing since he was eight years old, Fred holds the world record for the number of consecutive back-flips, which stands at nine.

“I am so keen to push the pogo stick out there as a recognised extreme activity,” says Fred, 20 from Los Angeles.

“The technology behind the sticks has improved dramatically in the past decade, so now we are able to make those heights and jumps.”

Believed to be the first to combine height, back and front flips, Fred is acknowledged to be the Tony Hawks of the pogo-world.

Using heavy duty rubber bands to provide extra lift, Fred uses a “Flybar’ pogo stick, which was created by SBI Enterprises.

Capable of launching a 250-pound man five feet in the air, 5 feet 8 inch, and 140 pound Fred obviously gets fat more out of it.

“I have a few scars from my pogoing,” says Fred.

“There is one along my elbow and a smaller, rounder one on my stomach.

“I have also split my lip so badly that it needed 30 stitches to repair it.”

Fred and his pogo stick are in demand.

“I was on film pogoing in the film Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium and I hope to do more television and films,” explains Fred.

Words by James Nye

The World Dog Surfing Championships

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:46:12 +0000

These hilarious pictures show how radical pooches came together for the Dog Surfing World championships.

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Record crowds for the event were drawn in to watch the four-legged wonders battling through the whitewash at Del Mar beach in San Diego, USA., on Sunday 13/9/09).

Delighting onlookers, canines of all shapes and sizes, from pugs to Burmese mountain dogs, competed against each other for the coveted prize.

The top-dog award was eventually scooped by gnarly pooch Buddy.

Proceeds from the competition went to organisers and hosts, the Helen Woodward Animal Centre in Rancho Santa Fe.

A centre representative said this years figure was expected to smash last year’s takings of £28,000.

“It just doesn’t get any greater than San Diego showing its love for dogs and its love for surfing,” said animal centre president, Michael Arms.

“What could be more fun?”

Arms estimated that the crowd at the “world’s largest dog surfing event” to be nearly 4,000, doubling attendance numbers for 2008.

Next year, the organisation aims to take the Surf-A-Thon for dogs to a global level with competitors from around the world.

Money raised at the event is used to send staff from the animal centre, in the role of educators, on international trips to other animal shelters and animal rights groups.

Words by Liam Miller

Enjoy A Round Of Golf With Wild Foxes

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:14:08 +0000

These fantastic foxes think they are Tiger Woods as they halt play at a golf course.

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For several months the young pair have been delighting players at Thorpe Wood Golf Course, Peterborough, Cambs., where the furry predators are hunting birdies of their own.

Regulars at Thorpe Wood see the duo sniffing around on a regular basis between the 12th green and the 13th tee, like in these pictures taken on Wednesday.

Racing driver James Gornall, 25, Brtish GT Champion 2008, from Peterborough, often meets up with pals at the course and likes having the foxes around.

“It’s nice to see a bit of wildlife around when you are playing,” he said.

“They have become quite famous around the clubhouse and they tend to come out when people are around.

“They do tend to hold up play when they are on the green but nobody really minds.

“It’s not often you get to see foxes so close up and they are really tame.”

The foxes – a male and female – even have a cub-house, in woods between the 12th and 13th holes.

Words by Liam Miller

Idaho’s Mini Rodeo

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:49:29 +0000

Holding on for dear life these fearless junior rodeo riders push the
boundaries to the extreme in what is the fastest growing sport in
America.

For full story and pictures:

Known as Miniature Bull riding these pint-sized competitors ride, buck
and fly around the paddock like seasoned professionals.

Pictured here at the “Casperson Miniature Rodeo Bulls” in Bancroft,
Idaho these stunning images show real American cowboys in the making.

Cattle herder and rodeo expert Chad Capserson founded the riding and
training school five years ago.

“Rodeo’s have been part of my family for generations,” says the 36-
year-old.

“Miniature bull riding has been around for years but as a sport it has
only recently taken off for kids.

“I have been to a lot of rodeos and so there was a lot of experience
that I could pass on.”

Rodeo riding is one of the most popular sports in mid-west America
attracting thousands of fans of all ages.

In recent years junior riding schools and state competitions have
become established across Idaho, Montana and Utah.

However the obvious danger of rodeo riding can lead to serious injury
and it was the aspect of safety that motivated Chad to open his school
for enthusiastic young riders.

“For one I love kids and I had been to many rodeos and seen kids
getting on big bulls without any training and getting hurt,” he says.

“Then I went to a rodeo and I saw these miniature bulls and that is
what got me thinking the kids here in Idaho need proper training and
that i might be able to help.”

Aged between 7-14 years, the wannabe rodeo stars grip and ride the 44
inch mini-bulls in competitions across Idaho.

Together with his team of rodeo experts, Chad provides foundation
training and techniques to the aspiring riders before they move onto
adult competition.

“Gear, safety and technique are all things we cover in training
because they are so important,” he explains.

“I have been doing this for five years and I have had some bumps and
bruises but none of our riders have ever had a serious injury.

“Each kid is taught how to move down slow on the animal and how to
position themselves on them.

“Once they ride then we go through things they have done right and
things they need to work on.

“I have the best bull fighters around working with me.

“Our bull fighters, Juan Lopez and Greg Whitehead and Wes Mauer.

“The role of the bull fighter is if a kid gets hung up (bucked over
his hand), the bull fighters work together to take the bull away.”

Boasting as many as 50 students, Chad has around 35 miniature bulls
that he uses for competition and training.

And one of Chad’s star students is his very own son, Wyley, who at
just 14 is the leading points scorer in the Idaho mini-bulls league.

“I have been competing for two or three years,” says Wyley.

“I tried it a few years ago and then when my Dad got the bulls I
wanted to keep going.

“Its really fun, my friends like it and its pretty much all they talk
about it.

“I wasn’t too interested in football or baseball but bull riding is
great.

“Next year I am going onto Junior bull riding and so this is a great
way to learn the skills that I need.”

And with more riders joining each season Chad is already looking for
his next champion.

“Wyley started bull riding six years ago years ago and he is at that
age where he is starting to ride big bulls,” says Chad.

“Everybody here in Idaho wants to ride bulls. We should have had these
before because it encourages safety and is a better learning tool.

“Kash Hanson who is 9, is a very good rider and we have Trevor Toomer,
12, but we have riders as young as 7 who come along and want to see
what its all about.”

However even though the riders have having undoubted fun, Chad is keen
to stress that the welfare of the bulls themselves is of paramount
importance.

“In anyway shape or form do we hurt the animal,” stresses Chad.

“A lot of people are under the wrong assumption that the flank rope (a
soft rope that is loosely tied around the bull’s midsection) is
wrapped around their testicles to make them buck and that is not the
case.

“In fact if I died and came back I would want to come back as a buck
bull because these bulls are taken care of in the right way.”

For now however Chad is concentrating on the new mini-bull season
season and the next generation of American cowboys.

Words by Jack Fletcher

Poledancing As An Olympic Sport?

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:04:12 +0000

The Olympics are set to get sexier if this Hertfordshire woman has her
way.

For full story and pictures:

KT Coates, 32, is lobbying to get POLE DANCING recognised as a
certified Olympic sport.

KT has started an online petition to persuade the Olympic Committee to
include pole dancing as a ‘test sport’ at the 2012 games.

She is aiming for 5,000 signatures and is nearly halfway towards her
target.

And if pole dancing is well received in a 2012 test run then it may be
become an official sport alongside more conservative pursuits like
synchronised swimming, archery and fencing.

KT and her supporters believe the ‘vertical pole’ should be given the
same recognition as the horizontal bar in the gymnastics category of
the great games.

“We need to knock out some of the dead wood in the gymnastics
section,” said KT who used to be a professional podium dancer in Ibiza
super-clubs like Manumission.

“On a horizontal bar all you can do is swing round and round and do
flips off it.

“There is a lot of skill and strength in pole dancing and it’s very
athletic.”

Moves that might win points for an Olympic pole dancer would be upside-
down arm holds with splayed legs and inversions combined with spins.

“It’s gymnastic style moves with a dance routine,” said KT who runs a
pole dancing school called Vertical Dance in Hertfordshire

But don’t expect sleazy R&B to be playing.

“Music could be anything chosen by the competitor,” added KT who
refuses to believe that pole dancing is sexy.

“It’s not seedy at all,” she said.

“We don’t wear high heals and it’s very hard work. The girls get
really sweaty so that’s not erotic is it?”

To sign KT’s online petition and help get pole dancing into the
Olympics visit - www.verticaldance.com

And Finally » Sport

Football-Playing Elephants Amaze Tourists In Heavyweight World Cup

For full story and pictures:

As these incredible pictures show, the game was not between 22 men on a grass pitch in South Africa but two giant elephants at the Maesa Elephant Camp 700km north of Bangkok.

Words by Lucy Tatchell

Fred Grzybowski, The World’s Best Extreme Pogo Artist

For full story:

9-Year-Old World Record Breaking Limbo Skater

Cape Town Surfers Set New World Record

For full story and pictures:

Words by Lucy Tatchell

181 Women Set New Skydiving World Record

For full story and pictures:

Words by James Nye

Fred Grzybowski, The World’s Best Extreme Pogo Artist

For full story and pictures:

Words by James Nye

The World Dog Surfing Championships

For full story and pictures:

Words by Liam Miller

Enjoy A Round Of Golf With Wild Foxes

For full story and pictures:

Words by Liam Miller

Idaho’s Mini Rodeo

For full story and pictures:

Words by Jack Fletcher

Poledancing As An Olympic Sport?

For full story and pictures:

Words by Isla Harvey