175th anniversary: Queuing up for a world record
August 23, 2016
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In two weeks, the letter of the day will be Q.
A giant human Q, that is.
* The field capacity for record attempt is 4,000 participants.
* The gate will open at 2 pm on Sept. 6.
* A gold shirt must be worn to participate. Participants will receive a free T-shirt (sizing is based on a first-come, first-served basis).
* This event is rain or shine, and it will only be cancelled if there is lightning, thunderstorms or unsafe weather.
* Participants should expect to be on the field for one hour.
Queen’s University will attempt on Sept. 6 to set the new Guinness World Record for largest human letter. The current record is 2,166, set by Dell Technologies in Round Rock, Texas, on June 22, 2016.
The event, which is open to all members of Queen’s and the local community, is a high point of the university’s 175th anniversary celebrations. Athletics and Recreation is generously lending its support to the record-breaking attempt.
“The Guinness World Record attempt is a fun way to build 175th anniversary excitement and awareness among thousands of people,” says David Walker, Chair of the 175th executive committee. “This event offers us the chance to showcase to the world the sense of spirit and community that has come to typify Queen’s over the past 175 years.”
The record attempt will take place on Nixon Field, which has a 4,000-participant capacity. The Q formation will be outlined ahead of time on the field, with the gates opening at 2 pm. Organizers aim to get everyone in place as quickly as possible, with volunteers on site to direct participants and offer assistance.
Everyone in the giant letter must wear the same solid colour. To meet that requirement, organizers will provide 4,000 free gold T-shirts to participants. A variety of sizes will be available, and the shirts will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit the Facebook event page for complete details about the event.