The Imperial Rag Sports Day held this lunchtime on the Queen's Lawn was hailed by almost all observers as a runaway success. About 150 students took part in the races which were kicked-off by an opening address by the Rector, Sir Richard Sykes.

18 teams took part in the races which varied from took the form of a typical "fun sports day" with such timeless classics as an Egg and Spoon Rely and Three-legged Race. Still, there were some innovations with a Fancy Dress Race and a "Parents" Race for lecturers.

As well as the participants another 200 hundred people turned up. Many tried their hand at towing Jezebel (the RCSU fire engine mascot), as well as having fun on the bouncy castle and inflatable sumo wrestling provided by Xerox. IC Radio Commentator, Shovi Ghosh, said he had been surprised with the turnout, and that it was much better than he had expected.

ICU Deputy President, Ben Hawkins, said that about £200 had been raised in participant fees - but that collections during the event could well push the total to two or three times that figure. The "Strip4Shelter" did not work out quite so well, with very few students paying to come into college in a sports strip. Several passing students also seemed unaware that a RAG Sports Day was taking place. However, Mr Hawkins was keen to point out that the event had been good fun with plenty of money raised for a good cause.

Schlumberger had sponsored the event to the tune of £2000, while also manning a Technology Fair stand in the Sherfield Building's Ante Room. There will be a Sports Day Disco in the Beit Building later today to raise even more cash. A count of all monies collected will be made later tonight. The money will be going to Shelter which is one of the charities that ICU RAG have chosen to support this academic year.