Firefighters from across the province gathered in Robson at Pass Creek Park last weekend for the Firefighter Games. Sixteen four person teams contended for the championship in competitions spanning window rescues, hose relays, axe throwing, pike pole javelin and a chin up square off. At the end of the day. it was the Creston Irons who came out on top.
The finale event, Mayday Mayday Mayhem, was an obstacle course that saw the firefighters dive into a giant slip and slide and crawl to the end, pass through a narrow tunnel, climb over and under walls, grab a fire hose and put out three fires, rescue a180 pound dummy from a house and then carry him over a flight of stairs and through a series of doors that had to be kicked open and a wall that had to be opened by axe and sledge hammer. The crowd pleasing event showcased the stamina of the competitors.
“Everything came together and all the sponsors stepped right up,” said Robson Fire Chief Jeff Grant. “It has been an awesome event.”
The purpose of the event hosted by the Robson Fire Department was to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, they were successful, raising over $9000. Canadian firefighters have been helping Muscular Dystrophy Canada since 1954, mostly through “Fill Our Boots” campaigns. The Robson Fire Department has done so well in their efforts that they are receiving an award for being in the top three fundraisers in British Columbia. “We have done really well this year,” said Grant. “That’s competing with Richmond, Surrey, huge population areas; so little Robson has really been put on the map.”
The event required an impressive amount of organization and volunteer efforts. Lead organizer Dustin Lepage was happy with the outcome. “We are really enjoying ourselves. The competitive spirit is definitely coming out among the competitors,” said Lepage. Competitors and spectators alike thoroughly enjoyed the competition.
