Water walking is the latest craze to take adrenaline junkies by storm and now there are moves to make it an Olympic sport.

Event promoters have launched a campaign on the social networking site Facebook to have the activity classified as an Olympic sport.

The task of travelling across 25 metres of water in a giant, transparent 'hamster’ ball looks easy enough, but in fact it demands a high level of co-ordination, great upper body strength, good technique and boundless determination, qualities that are demanded of Olympic competitors.

Participants typically race against two others to see who can complete the 25m distance across the length of a swimming pool in the fastest time.

If you are not convinced that water walking deserves a look-in with the 2012 London Olympics fast approaching, then consider that other controversial sports have gained a place in the Games.

An internet search of the 'most ridiculous Olympic sports’ reveals some popular candidates. Race Walking comes in for much lampooning. It wins top place as the most 'ridiculous’ Olympic sport on Yahoo Answers. Bob Costas of NBC derided race walking in a 2000 Olympics broadcast. He said: “What’s up with the racewalkers? I mean I respect them as athletes but come on…a contest to see who can walk the fastest is like having a contest to see who can whisper the loudest.”

Bloggers have also criticised the inclusion of synchronised swimming with one joking: “Sticking those legs out of the water and waving them about is bad enough, but the worst part is the stupid grins the contestants seem compelled to wear.”

Softball is also a soft target with one comment reading: “What is Softball anyway? Baseball for people too weak to throw a real baseball? Ridiculous.”

If you think Water Walking should qualify as an Olympic sport then back the campaign on Facebook by joining the KM Charity Challenge group.

Water Walker event promoter Simon Dolby said: “This is a tough challenge requiring skill, strength and dexterity. We stage these events as charity fund-raisers, but why should this not feature as a future Olympic sport. It is miles better than some of the silly pursuits that receive official recognition.”

To try Water Walking for yourself and help raise vital cash for Kent charities then sign up to our challenges at www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk or call the KM Charity Team on 0844 2640293. There won’t be any Olympic medals yet, but the fastest contestant from each of our water walking events will be invited to take part in a grand final with the chance of winning a first prize of £500.

Water Walking event diary

Swallows Leisure Centre, Sittingbourne, Saturday, May 9 in aid of Demelza House children’s hospice

Tenterden Leisure Centre, Tenterden, Friday, May 15, in aid of Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent

Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Margate, Saturday, June 13 in aid of Dad’s Quest (prostate cancer)

All events have a major and minor beneficiary. Kent Walking Bus receives 30 per cent of proceeds with the named main beneficiary receiving 70 per cent.

To take part in the challenge participants must pledge to raise a minimum of £75 for charity. Book your pack at www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk