Organisers of an annual shin-kicking contest have had to cancel the event, because of increasing health and safety regulations.

Ever since 1612 the unusual sport has been practiced on Dover’s Hill, near Chipping Camden, as part of the ‘Cotsworld Olimpicks’.

Tug of war and sack racing contests also take place.

But the 400-year-old tradition is now facing an uncertain future, according to the BBC.

Organisers say ‘dwindling numbers of attendees’ and increasing safety requirements mean they can’t afford to stage the games on June 2.

Shin-kicking, the highlight of the spring bank holiday event, involves athletes stuffing their trouser legs with straw before kicking each other.

In the past, more than 5,000 spectators have attended the event.

Chairman, Graham Greenall said: ‘Dwindling numbers of attendees since the peak of 2012, and increasing requirements as far as health and safety is concerned, have meant that as it stands we don’t have the money to continue past one year’s games.

‘Rather than put on a half-cocked games [this year], we’ve decided to suspend it and begin a debate on the whole future of the games.

‘It is for this reason that the decision has been made to cancel this year’s event, in order that the long term future of this ancient tradition can be hopefully saved, developed and brought back in 2018 on a stronger footing.’

Source:
courtesy of METRO

by Fiona Parker

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