Bewbush set to host the world's first Eskimo Olympics

THE ear pull, the four-man carry and the seal hop are unlikely to feature when the Olympics come to Britain in 2012.

But a host of weird and wonderful games will take centre stage at the country's first ever Eskimo-Indian Olympics, when it comes to Crawley.

The games, which are usually confined to Alaska in the USA, will arrive in Bewbush later this month.

Reverend Kevin Taylor, pastor of the Elim Pentecostal Church, is organising the event which he hopes will become an annual fixture.

He said: "We wanted to do something fun for people in Bewbush this summer.

"It will bring people together having a laugh and enjoying themselves and we hope the competitive element will bring a nice edge to things.

"We are hoping to give out some medals but anyone can come and have a go."

Revd Taylor heard about the Eskimo-Indian games while watching Transworld Sport, a TV programme which showcases sports from around the globe.

He said: "The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics has an ethos of promoting community rather than any one person being the best.

"We contacted the guys in Fairbanks, Alaska, and they are sending us the official rules and guidance on how to do it.

"The great thing about these events is that you don't need much equipment and they are games anyone can get involved in.

"There are about 15 events in total but we have selected 10 for simplicity."

The four-man carry is exactly as it sounds - one person carries four others and tries to walk as far as possible.

In another event, called "drop the bomb", competitors are held by the arms and ankles by three helpers who walk with the player suspended off the ground.

When the body or arms begin to sag, the player touches the ground - meaning they are out of the game.

The event will be held at Bewbush Primary School, where the church usually meets, from noon on August 16.

The barbecue and sporting events are all free. For more information visit www.elimbewbush.com