The seventh edition of Egypt’s “Jump Like a Pharaoh” air sports festival kicked off on Tuesday, with about 200 skydivers from different countries participating in the three-day event.
The festival began as 100 skydivers jumped from C-130 aircraft provided by the Egyptian Armed Forces. They fashionably landed at the foot of the Pyramid of Khafre in Giza, near the capital Cairo.
“This edition witnessed the participation of many professional skydivers from around the world to enjoy the experience of flying over the pyramids,” said Youssef Medhat, a media officer with the organizer Skydive Egypt company.
He added that one of the event’s main objectives is to boost Egyptian tourism, in addition to promoting the sport of skydiving.
“Jump Like a Pharaoh festival has already succeeded in promoting skydiving in Egypt, and we see this through the increasing number of Egyptians who wish to either participate in the festival or learn this wonderful sport,” Medhat said.
Chris Whitley, a professional skydiver from the United States, flew all the way from Virginia to Cairo to participate in the festival.
“This is my fifth time to jump over the pyramids … the experience is amazing,” Whitley said. ■
