Angus Johnstone will next month attempt a Guinness World Record by flying a single kite continuously for 24 hours straight.
The Kyneton local has set himself the ambitious goal of ‘Longest Kite Flight by an Individual’ to raise funds for health and education in Myanmar.
The challenge will take place in Killarney, just outside Port Fairy on the Great Ocean Road – from sunrise on Saturday March 14 until sunrise the following day (or beyond)!
Under official Guinness World Record Guidelines, Angus’ kite is required to remain airborne continuously for 24 hours. The effort will test physical endurance, concentration and resilience, with no sleep permitted during the attempt.
Angus said the motivation behind the attempt was both personal and community-focused.
“I became obsessed with kites during Covid, so there is a personal challenge aspect to it. Just holding a kite reel for 24 hours might sound simple enough, but there are a lot of factors and I expect it to become a real endurance challenge, especially in the overnight stretch,” he said.
“My other motivation is to raise funds for humanitarian organisations in Myanmar, where I lived and worked for a number of years. “While the eyes of the world have moved on, after five years of civil war the situation on the ground in Myanmar remains dire for many – so that will help keep the motivation up. Beyond that we need the wind to keep blowing!”
Funds raised through the attempt will support humanitarian organisations both inside Myanmar and in its border areas.
A seasoned fundraiser who brings a sense of fun along with his important work – you may remember Angus from his Mullets for Myanmar campaign, or even Necktember (Neckbeards for Burma) – this promises to be even bigger!
The event is expected to be visually appealing, with overnight flying, sunrise and sunset moments, and official timing and verification procedures taking place. A support crew will be on hand throughout the attempt to ensure safety and compliance with Guinness World Records requirements.
LAUNCH AT KYNETON
Angus will also be hosting a Kyneton launch event, on the public holiday Monday March 9, 1-4pm at the bottom football oval.
There will be a kite flying display, free kites for kids to fly and take home, some more ‘serious’ kites for the bigger kids to try their hand at too, as well as kite flying lessons. All welcome, BYO picnic.
