‘Masses of fun’ – how UIPM community reacted to world’s first #LaserHomeRun

The global UIPM Sports community has given the seal of approval to #LaserHomeRun.

“From Ecuador to Singapore,” as commentator James Tzanoudakis said memorably during the live broadcast of the finals on UIPMTV, the world came together for the first-ever virtual Laser Run.

The aim of the project was to unite the global UIPM Sports community during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic and enable participants of all ages to add focus to their home training regimes, keep their skills sharp and enjoy the thrill of online competition.

More than 600 entrants from an initial registration of 800+ ended up participating, from Olympians and world medallists to the planet’s youngest Laser Run athletes. There were female and male categories across six age groups from U11 to Masters 60+.

Despite the technical teething problems that left some finalists missing their cue to start, there was a flow of positive feedback. Here are some of the comments that UIPM’s organising team received.

A screen shot from the live broadcast on UIPM TV

“Dear organizers of #LaserHomeRun, as a mom of 2 children participants of event I’m so proud and thankful for such a big opportunity of this time !!!” – Victoria Kracnikova

“Thank you for coming up with this idea and for staging it. A great way of connecting people around the world in these challenging times” – Jo Lane

“This is a fantastic initiative” – Melanie McCann (Olympian from Canada) 

“If you can see how the eyes of children are burning, how much joy children get from training and looking forward to the upcoming competitions” – Uzbekistan Modern Pentathlon Federation

“Thanks for preparing such a race, [it] gave us a racing experience again after a long time” – Belemir Deede

“Hi, it’s a great event and masses of fun, thank you for organising” – Jo Burchell

Jeanette Northam, mother of 17-year-old pentathlete Amy Northam (GBR), tweeted: “Such fun competing in the #LaserHomeRun competition with @WorldPentathlon – joining the world in something fun during lockdown. Pleased @amy_northam05 came 2nd. Thanks to all who organised and took part.”

All participants in the historic venture will receive a souvenir certificate, and UIPM will consider options to build on the clear appetite for more virtual UIPM Sports events in future.

Click here for more information about #LaserHomeRun and click here to see the results of the finals.

Participants from all over the world who took part in the first UIPM #LaserHomeRun