In 1987, Darren Osmotherly completed the Bridge to Bridge Ski Race, skiing backwards to raise money for kids with cancer in a time of 84 minutes after suffering the battling disease himself. The Bridge to Bridge is an annual event held from Brooklyn to Windsor, attracting crowds in the thousands as the all vie for the best vantage point to witness such an event.
You can donate to this very worthy cause online at www.everydayhero.com.au/skiingbackwards
Twenty years later, for the anniversary, Darren completed the race backwards again with his eight year old son Bradley, to raise money for some local disabled children needing equipment.
This year, being 50 years since the first Bridge to Bridge ski race, our team is endeavoring to break our 23 year old backward ski record and raise money for “Cure Our Kids” a charity organization that hopes to raise money for kids living with cancer.
Darren Osmotherly will take off from the start line with the first group of boats and will race to the finish line to try and break the 84 minute record. He will aim for the 60 minute barrier if conditions prevail. Danny Cropper will ski the race forward, guiding Darren Osmotherly around the course.
Danny Cropper is classed as the “King of the River”. He has skied the annual Bridge to Bridge since 1972. Danny has won this race 8 times outright and he holds the record for 4 consecutive wins in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991, something which is unprecedented in this competition.
At completion of this race, the boat will be airlifted back to the start line along with Danny Cropper and Darren Osmotherly. Darren Osmotherly will then drive his own boat, competing in outboard unlimited class, whilst Danny Cropper will strap on his new DC Race Ski and then ski behind “Team Awesome” back to the starting line to compete in the unlimited class. The airlifting of the boat itself, in front of Windsor Stadium will be an awesome spectacle to see!
The Guinness book of records has been contacted for two records:
1. Darren Osmotherly breaking the current 20 year old record to ski in at 6o min
2. Danny Cropper competing in the same event consecutively and skiing in excess of 240kms.
This is a feat never before attempted and will possibly never be attempted again!
All funds raised on this day will be directed to Cure Our Kids. Our hero meter is ticking and we hope to raise $150,000 for families facing the childhood cancer challenge at the Westmead Children’s hospital. Your support and sponsorship of this event will go a long way to improving the quality of life for children with cancer, and the families who love them.
You can donate to this very worthy cause online at www.everydayhero.com.au/skiingbackwards
