Wellie Wanging

Wellie Wanging

Welly wanging is a sport that originated in Britain in Upperthong, Holmfirth. Competitors are required to hurl a Wellington boot as far as possible within boundary lines, from a standing or running start. A variation requires participants to launch the welly from the end of their foot as if they were kicking off a pair of shoes. The high level of competition has led to precise, highly-regulated rules for the sport. The sport is regulated and administered by the World Welly Wanging Association, based in Upperthong

The Welly Wanging World Championships are held each year in the town of Upperthong in Holmfirth. It is thought that welly wanging originated following an incident where a pint of ale was spilt into a local resident's welly. Since that iconic moment the sport has never looked back.

Note that the word welly is also often spelt as wellie. Welly wanging events today are often associated with fundraising events.