Wellington To Host Toughest Two Minutes In Sport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 April 2013

Wellington To Host Toughest Two Minutes In Sport

The “toughest two minutes in sport” – the National Firefighter Combat Challenge – is coming to Wellington’s Waterfront on Friday and Saturday, 19 and 20 April, drawing 150 firefighters from throughout New Zealand, who will race against each other and the clock to prove they are tough enough to take on one of the most physically and mentally grueling events in sport.

The exciting and crowd-pleasing Challenge – organised by the United Fire Brigades’ Association for its members - is designed to encourage firefighter fitness and safety while demonstrating the rigours of the job to the public. Competitors wear full bunker gear and breathing apparatus as they take on a series of tasks that simulate the demands of real-life firefighting. The event is a US import that was introduced in New Zealand in 2007, and has become more and more popular among men and women of all ages serving in both volunteer and career brigades.

Alongside the main event, a Kids Combat Challenge will be running for aspiring firefighters from ages 3 to 10, and food stalls will add a carnival-like atmosphere to add to the experience for spectators.

“We put a lot of effort into boosting participation in the Firefighter Combat Challenge because we believe it has a lot to offer not only our firefighters – but the public,” said George Verry, UFBA Chief Executive Officer. “So we’re very pleased to have a full card – the depth of competition should make for an exciting event to watch.”

“This event tends to draw a crowd – which also presents us with a great opportunity to remind the community about volunteerism and the huge role of firefighters in protecting every community in New Zealand.”

The National Firefighter Combat Challenge is free to the public, and people of all ages are encouraged to stop by Odlins Plaza at the Cable Street entrance of the Waterfront to watch the action. The competitors will be running on the course from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, 19 April and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 20 April.

Climbing a six-storey tower in full bunker gear is just one of the back-breaking tasks firefighters must complete on the UFBA Firefighter Combat Challenge Course.
ENDS

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