World Firefighter Games to set city alight in 2008

Aug 25 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A TASTE of what to expect from next year’s World Firefighter Games was on display in the centre of Liverpool yesterday as the event started its one-year countdown.

A fire engine and crew parked outside St George’s Hall for the preview of some of the contests in the spectacular event, which has attracted entries from as far afield as South Africa, Germany and France.

Merseyside Fire Service is hosting the 10-day festival next summer as part of the city’s Capital of Culture celebrations.

The games, which will take place from August 24 to September 2, will have a programme of more than 70 events including football, table tennis, golf, fishing, dragon boat racing, chess, boxing and even a cook-off.

Chairman of the event, Sefton councillor Jack Colbert, said: “It is a fantastic event for 2008 and will bring lots of people to the city. With everything else that is happening, Liverpool is the perfect city for it.

“It will start in exactly a year’s time and shows people exactly what the emergency services are all about. Contestants will have to go through what every firefighter does, but all at once, under time constraints and things are 10 times harder.

“It is also really varied, there is snooker, table tennis and swimming as well as competitions that test strength.

“We are all set to hold the event and know it will go well.”

It is estimated the event, which takes place every two years and has been held in locations such as Hong Kong, Las Vegas and Auckland, will attract more than 5,000 competitors and thousands of spectators.

Events will be held in each Liverpool borough over the 10 days and some, such as white-water rafting, will be held in North Wales.

Dave Robinson, games manager, said: “This event will give the city a fantastic legacy. We are putting a lot back into the community, too, and those benefits will be felt for years to come.

“We think it will bring about £2.8m into the city and already have 1,000 hotel bookings.”

The event still needs volunteers to help marshal the games.

Those wishing to offer their services can ring 0870 888 1888 or go to: www.wfg08.com, and bilingual volunteers would be especially welcomed.

lizawilliams