Something For The Weekend: 21/08/2010
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The splashes contenders
It might not be an Ashes summer, but the England v Australia rivalry will be renewed in the Lake District today in "The Splashes", or the All England Stone Skimming Championship as it is better known.
Last year Craig Mounsey and his son Finn triumphed in the men's and Under-11 events. They are from Australia, so the demands of national pride dictate that any more interlopers from Down Under receive short shrift. The event is run by a registered charity, the South Cumbria Rivers Trust, with money raised from small entrance fees. Check out the action for yourself at the Wateredge Inn on Lake Windermere or for more information visit www.sinkorskim.co.uk.
We applaud you wholeheartedly
Ronaldo (no, the other one)
The Brazilian legend deserves great credit for recommitting himself to the sport he loves almost as much as a tasty feijoada. After three months out, during which he has let himself go a little, the rotund round-ball maestro said: "I am now pain-free, but I am saddened as the end of my career is close. I plan to make a big sacrifice to finish the year strong." The World Cup's all-time record scorer is now training with Corinthians. Everyone will delight in his ambition to go out on a low-weight high. Except perhaps the restaurateurs of Sao Paulo.
And the stories you may have missed
Referee Power
Before Britain's men in black complain about their tough lot in life if they receive stick for a making a blunder, they should consider their counterparts in Uruguay. Officials there are going back to work this weekend when the country's Apertura season opens a week late – having only just been guaranteed compensation if a weekday match forces them to miss time in their regular jobs. The poorly paid whistleblowers had been on strike before the season started, chasing the compensation as well as higher wages, travel expenses and the payment of overdue salaries.
Best foot backward
Usain who? The true test of sprinting greatness takes place in Heaton, Manchester, this weekend. The inaugural backward running world championship will be contested tomorrow. A selection of backward athletes has paid £10 to participate in the blue-riband event. The current 100 metres record is a not-at-all shabby 13.6secs. For the full back(ward)ground check out www.reverserunning.com/default.aspx
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