World Alternative Games 2012

About
Forewords

Already famous for its unusual and quirky events, Llanwrtyd Wells is now proud to present: The World Alternative Games 2012.

The idea for the Games was born after it was announced that London would be hosting the Olympics in 2012. As one of the greatest sporting events on the calendar, it seemed a wasted opportunity not to hold some sort of celebration in Llanwrtyd to commemorate this. Simultaneously, it was noted by those who organise the curious and sometimes downright bizarre events in Llanwrtyd Wells throughout the year that the Olympics was, well, rather mundane. Running, jumping, cycling and swimming are all very well, but they are hardly what someone might call unusual.

And so, with this in mind, a small group of people came up with an idea - what about holding Llanwrtyd's very own version of the Olympic Games, but with all the normal events thrown out of the window and replaced with an array of unrecognised and different events that are not part of the official Olympic calendar. These events have competitors who are just as dedicated to their unusual sports as their Olympian counterparts, and what better time to promote as many of these exciting and imaginative events as possible.

Enter the World Alternative Games 2012, due to be held over a fortnight from Friday 17th August 2012 to Sunday 2nd September 2012.

Llanwrtyd is now set to host a variety of different and alternative events, from Worm Charming to Chariot Racing, from the Bathtubbing Championship to the Wife Carrying Championships.

There will be a day designed purely for the youngsters, with child-friendly events such as Pooh Sticks and Rock, Paper, Scissors. Our international friends from France and the Czech Republic are due to join the festivities as we celebrate our links with a French-themed day (including a French cockerel throwing competition and French cheese rolling) and a Czech-themed day.

Events that are held every year in Llanwrtyd, such as the World Bog Snorkelling Championships and the Man v. Horse Marathon, will also be part of the World Alternative Games in 2012. We are even spending some time down in Newport as the International Underwater Hockey Championships come under the Games umbrella for the year.

The Games will be run under the ethos of the ‘Corinthian Spirit’. Although there are no plans to take away the competitive edge of the Games, with gold, silver and bronze medals being awarded for first, second and third placed competitors, it was agreed from the start that taking part should be what really counts, and that everybody who visits Llanwrtyd, either as a competitor or a spectator, should have fun and get as involved as possible. Everybody who takes part in an event will get a Corinthian medal too.

There will be an Opening Ceremony, but for Llanwrtyd gone are the days of the Olympic Torch. Instead, we will bear a ceremonial Sosban of spring water through the town and the fountain on the square will flow with water for the duration of the two weeks whilst the Games are being held. The Sosban and spring water are symbolic of the days when Llanwrtyd Wells was famous as a spa town, and when the song ‘Sosban Fach’, now played at all great Welsh rugby games, was written during one of Llanwrtyd’s Eisteddfods.

With plans in place to hold various evening events, which include Welsh cultural events, a small music festival, a massive pub quiz, drum and bass and much more entertainment besides, the World Alternative Games are set to become the biggest event not just in Llanwrtyd Wells calendar, but will be the major event to attend in Wales in 2012! And remember, the Games are due to be held as a bi-annual event, so if you can’t make it in 2012, there’s always 2014!&nb

We look forward to seeing you there!

Forewords

Edwina Hart
MBE OStJ AMMinister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science

I would like to extend a very warm Welsh Welcome to all participants and visiting spectators at the World Alternative Games, staged in Britain's smallest town, Llanwrtyd Wells.

The World Alternative Games is one of many compelling events across Wales this summer supported by the Welsh Government.

The Games, which take place over two weeks ( in the gap between the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games) comprise a diverse range of fun, quirky outdoor activities incorporating well established favourites such as the World Bog Snorkelling Championships and the Man versus Horse Marathon.

I'm delighted that communities in mid Wales are playing host to an event that aims to attract thousands of visitors to the area and the impact of this perfect antidote to other more conventional and pressurised competitive environments will, without doubt, resonate far and wide...

I 'd like to extend my best wishes to the organisers, the participants and to each and every visitor for what promises to be a spectacular festival of fun.

Let the Games begin!

Roger Williams
MP for Brecon and Radnorshire

Brecon and Radnor has been left on periphery of this summers Olympic Games, but fortunately Llanwrtyd Wells, which is no stranger to unusual and quirky events, is bringing the Corinthian spirit of the Games to Wales.

The World Alternative Games is not your ordinary athletics meet, and I am delighted to see that we in Mid Wales are embracing a slightly different take on what will be an amazing summer of sport.

I am sure I will be one of many who are ignorant of the rules and technicalities around ‘worm charming’ or the ‘Bathtubbing Championships’, but there is definitely something heart warming about the prospect of playing ‘Pooh sticks’ on the international stage.

What remains at the core of this event is the spirit of taking part, demonstrating the creativity and imagination of those within our constituency to hold such amazing games, challenges and activities that are accessible to all. It will also be an opportunity to showcase our wonderful countryside to the whole world and demonstrate the great community that is Llanwrtyd Wells.

I look forward to the World Alternative Games that begin on the 17th August with what I am sure will be a unique take on the Opening Ceremony. It is an excellent opportunity for all to get involved, although I think I might pass on the bog snorkelling...!

Peter Brown
Chair of the World Alternative Games Committee

I would like to extend a very warm Welsh welcome to all participants and visiting spectators at the World Alternative Games, staged in Britain’s smallest town, Llanwrtyd Wells.

The World Alternative Games is one of many compelling events across Wales this summer supported by the Welsh Government.

The Games, which take place over two weeks (in the gap between the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games) comprise of a diverse range of fun, quirky outdoor activities incorporating well established favourites such as the World Bog Snorkelling Championships and the Man versus Horse Marathon.

I am delighted that communities in Mid Wales are playing host to an event that aims to attract thousands of visitors to the area and the impact of this perfect antidote to other more conventional and pressurised competitive environments will, without doubt, resonate far and wide...

I would like to extend my best wishes to the organisers, the participants and to each and every visitor for what promises to be a spectacular festival of fun.

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