Mobile phone throwing championship

If you are anything like me you probably thought you had misread this news headline. Turns out that individual countries host their own mobile phone throwing competitions and then once a year a world championship is held. Contestants compete in three categories in the annual championships – the traditional over the shoulder style where the aim is to throw the phone as far as possible, the Freestyle category where contestants are judged on aesthetics and creativity and the junior category for children under the ageof 12.

According to the organisers mobile phone throwing is a light and modernFinnish sport that combines the philosophy of recycling and a fun spirit. Since the first competition of its kind was held in Savonlinna in 2000, its popularity has grown with national championships now taking place in anumber of countries.

Hammer throwing athlete Jonna Mattero from Finland won the women's category with a 139ft throw. Ere Karjalainen from Finland set a new record in the Finnish championshipswith 332ft, second place in the men's competition went to Jeremy Gallop fromSouth Africa with a 311ft throw. Gallop won a national competition inEngland.

All phones are recycled after the competition.