Thrilling firefighters' contest

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A record number of entries have been received for the SA's Toughest Firefighter Alive Open Challenge, to take place in Mossel Bay for the first time this weekend.

The event organiser, Mark Smith from Toughest Firefighter Alive, confirmed at a meeting on Wednesday, 14 September, that 175 firefighters would be competing today, Friday 16 September, and tomorrow, 17 September.

PHOTO GALLERY: SA's Toughest Firefighter Alive ready to start

"This is the highest number of firefighters competing in an event in South Africa thus far," Smith said. He said that the youngest competitor is 23 years of age and the oldest, 61. "Included are 21 women," Smith said.

The challenge marks the official opening of the ninth Mossel Bay Sport and Recreation Festival. The festival was established by the Mossel Bay Municipality and is part of the strategy to stimulate sustainable local economic growth.

Smith said that apart from Mossel Bay being particularly central to competitors, the setting is perfect.

"Moreover, the people of Mossy are very accommodating."

The challenge takes place at De Bakke Beach from 10:00 to 17:00 today and tomorrow. The prize giving is at the Mossel Bay Fire Station. Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services worked around the clock, preparing for the challenge.

Tough

Smith said that the toughest part of the challenge is the second stage.

"Dragging the dummy for 80 metres really tests endurance, but the entire challenge tests mental strength."

A team from Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services, called The Spartans, is competing. The squad leader, Johan Makwak, urges locals to come to show their support.

Spartans team member Bertus Vermeulen, a proud dad, said he is competing for his young son and in memory of the late Charlton Louw, a firefighter from Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on 26 August.

New at this year's event is a junior challenge open to children three to 10 years old. It features a kiddies' obstacle course.

Smith said this was part of a campaign to educate the youth and introduce them to firefighting. Registration takes place tomorrow, Saturday 17 September, from 11:30 and the challenge starts at 12:00. For more information, contact Emile (044 878 1000.)

"The challenge is also held to build relationships between members of the community and firefighting crews. So come out in droves and support your firefighters," Smith encouraged.

Photos: Cornelle Carstens and Grey Stopforth