This is the Freaky Friday contest, I knew about it since day two of joining Scorum, but couldn't partake because I was still getting use to how the contest works, this is my first entry into the contest. If you're a newbie i urge you to take part in this, to help your blog gain some deserved exposure. It takes place every friday and you wont regret you did.Thanks to the organiser @Pete and a host of many sponsors. Click on the link below to join the contest.
https://scorum.com/en-us/extremesports/@pete/it-s-freaky-friday-november-2-2018
the genesis
In the picture above is Jefferson, or Jeff as close pals call him. We both grew up together in the city of Manchester, we attended the same college. We have been friends right from childhood and our friendship soon transfered to our parents, the two families are now best of friends.
Back in college, i and Jeff, we are far from being bookwarms, branaic, nerd or any adverb used to qualify a brilliant student. We were more of the sportsmen in school, we represented our school in almost every competition, ranging from soccer,basketball, table tennis. You can call us the sports nerd. Though Jeff was a little better than me, he is more daring than i, he once jumped down from the top of a three story building, he was no match for anyone in high jumps, he was pretty comfortable with heights.
Breaking News
Few months after college, I and Jeff where on our way back from the mall, when we coincidentally saw a skydiving handbill, it was National Open Skydiving contest, Aircraft dropping from 15000ft, and Jeff was already buying the ideal of participation. We got to my place and Jeff said he is going for the competition.
Me; what? You are not going for that competition
Jeff; i said am going, you have to trust me,I can do this
Me; no way Jeff, am not letting you risk your life, because of passion for sport.
All my attempts to call him to order prove abortive, we almost got into a fight after a serious argument, before Jeff left for his house.
the reunion
Two weeks later, Jeff called me, reminding me of his skydivng competition today Friday. As we stop talking to each other ever since the last time we had a quarrel.
Jeff; hey buddy, I called to let you know of the competition which is holding today, hope to see you when i reach the ground.
Me; Alright bro,I will be there.
the Event
I reached the venue where the divers will land. It was a cool Friday afternoon, other spectators like me were all sitted, I couldn't take anything food, all my focus was on my Jeff, reaching the ground safe. All the contestants entered the aircraft and flew upwards in the thick cloud. There are to skydive from 15000ft.
The stage was set, soft pop music playing in the background. Every one could hear the commentary man speaking from the commentary stand, calling names of contestants and their numbers attached to their sportswear . "I heard contestant 312, Jefferson.
30minutes later a man in his late 40's signalled the commentary man and he rang a bell, loud enough to bring a sleeping man back to consciousness .I asked the man sitting close to me, he said "that signals that the competitors has jumped out from the aircrafts and heading downwards".
10minutes later the wind began to build up, the commentary man announced 10000ft to landing, the wind was heavy this time around and it was all scare for everybody, expecially someone like me who had a friend up the sky. The commentary man announced again that the wind speed has exceeded the maximum 14mph and it's now moving at 30mph.
Now everybody was scared, the wind was heavy that we at the ground had to find solace at in a shade close by. And again the announcer said 5000ft to landing. Everyone was full of fear and I was silently praying in my heart for Jeff.
I can't even remember the last time I said the Lord's prayers. But here I am saying my prayers for Jeff.
1000ft to land, he announced again, suddenly a heavy wind blew through, which almost took out the root off the shade I was under, I bent my head down to prevent the sand entring my eyes. Fear gripped me, I can feel my urine almost coming out.
Suddenly the wind went still, it was as if the whole city was placed on pause, as you can hear the sound of a strand of a hair if it fell down.
Everybody stood up and i could see ray of divers from the sky, rushing down with a speed close to that of speed of light,
The next the I heard was, the winner is contestant, 312., it was then remembered that was Jeff's number.I couldn't hide my joy, I rushed to jeff immediately and hugged him. I couldn't be more proud of him.
I couldn't belive it, Jeff the underdog is the new national open skydivng champion.
Conclusion:
This article is not pointed at building fear in anyone intending to participate in the sport (skydiving), but to show that skydivng, is an adventurous sport, with thrilling experience, is open for those who wants a lifetime experience. Many are scared of accident, injury and death. But,
According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), there were 21 recorded fatal skydiving accidents out of about 3.2 million total jumps in 2016. That equals just 0.0065 fatalities per 1,000 skydiving jumps. This is one of the lowest records in history, which points to improved safety in skydiving in recent years.
Most of the skydiving injuries are due to human error, or failed chute,the intense safety process in the sport has reduced the injury rate to a very minimal level.
THANKS FOR READING TO THE END..
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