Int´l firefighters gather for games

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 08-30-2008 08:49

Firefighters from around the world have been assembling in the British city of Liverpool, for the 10th World Firefighter Games. The Games have all the flare and style of an international sporting event, and even feature a version of the traditional "Haka" performed by New Zealand firefighters.

Firefighters from around the world have been assembling in  the British city of Liverpool, for the 10th World Firefighter  Games.

The event began with a parade around the Liverpool Docks. Over 3000 competitors from 34 countries are taking part in the ten-day event.

The World Firefighter Games is a biennial celebration of sporting competition and firefighting camaraderie worldwide.

Firefighters take part in 74 events at more than 40 venues, with competitions for all age groups and abilities, including football, triathlon, snowboarding, and boxing. For the less athletic, it also has events in chess, poker, and fishing.

Mike Hagen is Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. He says the Games is a huge event for the region.

Mike Hagen said, "There's a few events that are more specific to the fire service. Perhaps the most notable one and perhaps the blue-ribboned event of the World Firefighter Games is something called the Toughest Firefighter Alive, and those are a series of tests of firefighters very physical but fire-related tests."

Liverpool officials say the World Firefighters Games brings significant economic benefits to the region, attracting many tourists the world over. They hope the Games can generate 5 million US dollars for the local economy, and rise to more than 11 million for future events.

Editor:Si Qintu