A guide to some of the must see events of the Games

With the Opening Ceremony today (Thursday August 1st), here are some of the events during the games that you really can’t miss! In total, there are 56 sports at 41 venues. You can view the full list here. Most are open to the public and entry is FREE.

Cricket

Featuring teams such as the Australian Fire Department, NYPD, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka Customs Lions, the cricket competition takes place on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th - 8th of August at two venues, the International Pitch at Stormont Pavilion and Shaw's Bridge.

Dragon Boats

Dragon Boats will race on the River Lagan beside Lanyon Place (near the Waterfront Hall) on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of August. There are teams from Singapore, America, Australia, Germany and elsewhere. This event is a great spectator sport and there will be some excellent vantage points for watching the action.

Muster

Muster is a high-tempo team event for firefighters which will take place on Monday 5th of August on Titanic Slipways. You can view a video here that gives a flavour of the event.

Beach volleyball

East Strand Portrush will be the venue for surfing, surf kayaking and beach volleyball on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August. You'll see competitors from California, Bondai Beach, Brazil and elsewhere in these great events.

Ultimate Firefighter

Ultimate Firefighter is one of the highlights of the games. It will take place at Titanic Slipways on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August and will feature firefighters from Brazil, Spain, the US, Canada, Australia, and Northern Ireland, to name a few countries. The event includes, amongst other aspects, a hose task, a high rise task, and an obstacle course.

Toughest Competitor Alive

Toughest Competitor Alive(TCA) is just like the name suggests and is the ultimate test in fitness. It's an event which is unique to the World Police and Fire Games and is open to all eligible services, men and women. Competitors have not one, or two, but eight phases to complete and all on the same day. The sports consist of a 5k run, shot put, 100 metre dash, 100 metre swim, 20ft rope climb, bench press, pull ups and an obstacle course. It takes place from 5th until 8th August at Bangor Sportsplex and Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure complex

Rugby 7s

Rugby 7s is a fast, fun sport and will take place at Queen’s Sport Upper Malone on the 7th, 8th and 9th August featuring teams such as the New Zealand Fire Service, the Italian State Fire Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Nigerian Police, and New York Police Department, to name a few.

Further information:

These are just a flavour of some of the events taking place as part of the games. There are 56 sports at 41 venues in total. Most of them are open to the public and entry is free. Find out more at www.2013wpfg.com or watch this video: