24 February 2011

With firefighters from around the country already seconded to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts in Christchurch, the UFBA Board believes some of the volunteers who would otherwise have attended the 2011 UFBA National Waterway Challenge could be called upon.

In support of the Canterbury relief efforts, the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) Board has opted to cancel the National Waterway Challenge, that was scheduled to be held in Carterton this weekend.

Given the developing circumstances in Christchurch, it was thought that volunteer personnel and equipment may be required for the continuing effort in the rescue and recovery.

“Already, some of the 150 firefighters who would have been involved in the Challenge have been seconded to the Christchurch operation, and we believe there may be more required there in the weeks to come,” says Ian Lindsay, UFBA President.

Many teams have contacted the UFBA saying they understand why the Challenge was cancelled, and agree with the Board’s decision.

Lindsay recognised the efforts by those brigades assisting in Christchurch: “This is the second time firefighters have responded to a major operation in Canterbury. Like all other New Zealanders, our members will be thinking about their colleagues who are obviously extended meeting the demands of the job.

Lindsay says he regrets the cancellation of the 2011 National Waterway Challenge, but circumstances arising from the National State of Emergency generated in Christchurch left little alternative.

UFBA Board Chairman Peter Drummond agreed with the decision saying it had been taken only after careful consideration. “Cancellation”, he said, “is for all the right reasons”.

“We appreciate the disappointment among the 100 or so competitors who trained hard in preparation for the Challenge and this was taken into account”, said Ian Lindsay. “So too was the hard work by the host brigade, Carterton, who obviously had the stage set for a successful competition”. Ian Lindsay and fellow Board member Brian Watters called on Carterton Brigade representatives today to personally thank them for all their efforts.

“The Board, together with the UFBA Technical Panel, will decide later whether this year’s Waterway Challenge can be rescheduled”, said Ian, “but this can wait until the Christchurch emergency is resolved”

ENDS

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