On June 1st, Firefighters from across the UK gathered in Swansea Marina to take part in the Welsh Firefighter Challenge, which is part of the regional race of the British Firefighter Challenge.
Organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), the Welsh Firefighter Challenge helps to raise important funds for The Fire Fighters Charity, which supports the mental wellbeing and physical health of all serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family.
The event, which sold out in a record time of 8 hours, took part at a new location for this year at the Dylan Thomas Square, Swansea Marina. The Square was filled with spectators from start to finish throughout the entire day. Luckily the sun was shining which made it great for spectators but also that much tougher for the contestants.
Each contestant was dressed in full structural firefighting kit where they took part in a series of physical challenges designed to test strength, agility, and stamina. There was a total of eight challenges to complete. This consisted of a 50m run, 50m hose carry, Road Traffic Collision (RTC) equipment carry and lift, hammer force, another 50m hose run, hose roll, container carry and finally the dummy drag. The fastest time to complete all eight challenges, won the race.
Alongside the firefighter challenges, MAWWFRS hosted a ‘Community Safety Village’ where members of the public were able to access free safety advice and information from our Community Safety Team as well as from a variety of partnership organisations. Those that joined us on the day were: DementiaHwb Swansea, Wales Safer Communities Network, Swansea Council, Swansea Aging Well, Imbulance providing vaccines, Morriston Hospital Burns Unit, Guide Dogs Cymru, South Wales Police, Go Safe, Mumbles Lifeboat RNLI, Welsh Ambulance Services Trust, British Red Cross Swansea and the National Waterfront Museum.
We would like to give a big thank you to all that got involved with the event. Especially to the organisers; Dominic Norcross, Luke Fisher, Tim Frost and their whole team and Roshnara Ali for co-ordinating the Community Safety Village. We would also like to give a special shout out to the MAWWFRS Fire Cadets who worked tirelessly throughout the day, re-setting the course after each round, as well as taking part in some of the races themselves. The spectators who attended on the day, made the event a roaring success. The constant cheers and enthusiasm motivated all those taking part, creating an amazing atmosphere for all.
Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said:
“The Welsh Firefighter Challenge was a highly anticipated day for all, and I am delighted to say that it did not disappoint! There was a great sense of community throughout the entire day, from the cheers of encouragement supporting the firefighters taking part in the competition, to the Community Safety Village where partners came together to promote a wide range of community engagement by offering free information and advice. Not only was the day a chance to promote physical fitness, wellbeing, and teamwork but we also raised vital funds and awareness for The Firefighter Charity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended and got involved in making the Welsh Firefighter Challenge the huge success it was.”
The whole day was a huge success, and we look forward to next year’s event!
