MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) Challenge will take place in Mossel Bay again this year.
From 26 to 28 September, firefighters from all over the country will compete against one another at the De Bakke Beach parking area.
Third consecutive time
It will be the third consecutive time the national contest is held in Mossel Bay.
Emile Conrad from Garden Route District Municipality won the national title for the sixth time last year.
Conrad is also the driving force behind the mini Toughest Firefighter Alive challenge on 28 September, for children aged three to 12 years of age.
Fun activities
He said: “The junior challenge is not a competition, but allows children to participate in fun activities while experiencing some of the real thrills and adrenaline of being a real firefighter,” says Conrad.
The mini TFA will feature an inflatable obstacle course and tunnels to crawl through. Among the slightly more technical and real-time activities, similar to what adult firefighters do during the TFA, are dragging, rolling and carrying a fire hose.
Dress up
Conrad noted: “There is no need for special clothing to participate, but children who wish to dress up as firefighters are most welcome to do so.”
Conrad confirmed that adult supervision will be available during all activities of the mini TFA, but parents are welcome to assist their children as part of the fun.
Participants will receive little snack packs and fire safety material as part of the educational programme during the mini TFA.
Free entry
Entry to the three-day event is free.
Registration for the mini TFA opens on 28 September from 09:30 at the venue and the competition starts at 10:00.
In 2022, when the TFA was hosted in Mossel Bay, event organiser Mark Smith confirmed that a record number of entries were received.
In 2023, this total grew to just under 250 firefighters and in 2024, the expectation is that there will be still more entries than before.
'Tests firefighters' resolve'
Smith said: "The South African challenge is unique in that it truly tests firefighters’ resolve. Our competition is the biggest in Africa and in fact, on par with the international contest.”
During the TFA, men's and women's teams, as well as individuals, compete.
Activities and exhibitions
There will be industry-related activities and exhibitions, which offer an ideal opportunity for children considering a career in the fire service to glean information.
Last year, 41-year-old Maithamako Moswete from West Rand was first among the women. It was her first time participating in the competition.
For more information about the TFA competition, contact Mark Smith (071 676 4272) or see www.frimedia.org/tfa.
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