By Karl Mansfield
Press Association Newsfile
LIVERPOOL, England — Thousands of firefighters from more than 30 countries are flocking to Liverpool today for a sporting competition.
The World Firefighters Games 08, being held in the UK for the second time since it started in 1990, is being hosted by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
The games will be opened by sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe and kicks off with a parade led by the Irish Guards at the Liverpool Echo Arena.
More than 3,000 people, aged 18 to 71, will compete in events, which start on Tuesday, ranging from football, swimming and horse riding to tests of strength.
On Wednesday in the Toughest Firefighter Alive event near St George’s Hall in the city, the emergency service workers with breathing apparatus will roll up a hose, carry an 80kg dummy for around 100 metres and climb the 550 steps up the Radio City Tower as quickly as possible.
Dave Robinson, general manager of the World Firefighters Games 08 and area manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The event is unique. There’s a whole range of sporting activities.
“As in the Olympics we have a medals table at the end and people compete as an individual and for their country. We are looking forward to a fantastic competition. There are some real quality athletes although the games are very inclusive.”
Merseyside Chief Fire Officer Tony McGuirk said: “We expect these to be the biggest and most successful Games ever. We’ve arranged a sporting and social calendar at terrific venues which are second to none.
“The Liverpool Echo Arena will act as the Games Village and we hope the general public will get involved and come to watch some of the bigger events. The Games will promote sport and fire safety and leave a lasting legacy for the region.”
During the 10-day event, which runs until September 2, money will also be raised for good causes, including The Fire Fighters Charity.
For a full list of events log on to www.wfg08.com.
Copyright 2008, Press Association Newsfile