The World Fire Figters Games

In 1998, Durban hosted the 5th World Fire Fighters Games and Westville played a significant role in the organising of the events and the hosting of international delegates. From this, we pledged to ensure that we would send representatives to the World Games wherever and whenever they were held. The result has been that we sent WFFA representatives to Paris in 2000, to Australia in 2002, to the UK in 2004, Hong Kong in 2006 and Liverpool in 2008.

The 10th World Firefighters Games were held in Liverpool, from the 24th of August till the 2nd of september 2008. Four thousand firefighters from 41 countries gathered to participate in the 53 events on offer. The WFFA sent across 5 members to join 39 other South African entants to represent our country in this prestigious event.

We, as the Westville team, participated in a number of individual events as well as numerous team events. Mark Glasson, Rob Mordaunt and Marc Rosseau all competed in the TFA (toughest firefighter alive) which is the main event of the games. Mark Futcher participated in the swimming and Ross Sibbald in the squash. As a team we took part in the Treasure hunt and Bucket brigade events aimed at promoting camaraderie amongst the 42 countries taking part in the games.

Success came for Westville when Marc Rosseau, Rob Mordaunt and Mark Futcher formed part of an international team that won the bronze medal in the Dragon boat racing. Along with guys and girls from England, Germany, New Zealand we raced against 35 other boats in 6 gruelling heats. Rob Mordaunt and Marc Rosseau found themselves entered into a tug-of-war team, unfortunately with very little success. (A little too light)

South Africa came away with 22 medals, coming 22nd overall out of 42 countries. These medals were spread across various sports such as track and field, soft ball, darts, dragon boats and arm wrestling. This was a great achievement considering some countries teams consisted of more than 100 entrants.

We as the Westville Fire Fighters Association will be competing in the next World Fire Fighters Games in Korea in 2010, and we hope to send a larger contingent this time around. Unfortunately, as with any team travel, we need to raise money which we have successfully done in the past with good sponsorships and a growing support from both corporations and individuals. Jeep supplied our clothing, as did Mr Price. City Couriers and Prop Data supported us both financially and through attracting sponsorships.