Final day of Ultimate Firefighter

By Volunteer Zoe Cunningham

Given the buzzing carnival atmosphere more often seen on the streets of Rio, the sun shining high in the sky and the exuberant cheers of the Brazilian team as they were awarded the first gold medals of the day, you could be forgiven for thinking you were anywhere but Belfast.  But yesterday us Norn Irish folk held our heads high as we welcomed the world to the third and final day of Ultimate Firefighter at the iconic Titanic Slipways.

Once again the crowds flocked from near and far to soak up the atmosphere at this thrilling event, which on the final day took the form of four different stages, performed by four different team members.

The morning saw competitors complete stages 1 and 4, the hose task and high rise task and the afternoon session included the stage 2 weight and strength task and stage 3 obstacle course.

Once again these amazing athletes showed off the everyday skills they need to be firefighters to perfection and much to the delight of the assembled crowds, the competition was fierce.  It was split into age categories and while many teams were from particular countries or stations, there were also a number of teams made up of individuals including the Barbarians team of Irish, English and Americans who ended up taking gold in the over 45’s category.  Gold medals also went to the Brazilians, who I’ve heard were in training for the games for the past six months and a team from the Czech Republic.  A talented team from Ireland were awarded silver in the U35’s category, cue rapturous applause from the huge crowd that had gathered for the medals ceremony.

As the competition drew to a close I met Danny Ard, Crew Commander for Blue Watch at Central Fire Station in Belfast, who was a great sport and let me fulfil my lifelong ambition of wearing a fireman’s hat and happily put his heavy firefighting gear back on to pose for some photographs.  While we were perfecting Danny’s modelling skills he told me about meeting an older firefighter the day before who has competed in the WPFG every year since 1985 and said that in all his years taking part he has never seen the games so well organised.  This is a statement I have heard repeated many times during the past few days and it is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the many organisers and volunteers that are so far helping to make these games a resounding success.

As my time as a WPFG volunteer comes sadly to an end I can say hand on heart that it has been an amazing experience and one I feel very proud and privileged to have played a part in.  Judging by the atmosphere down at Titanic for the last two days we have certainly made these games one to remember and I hope that our legacy of hosting the ‘friendliest games ever’ will live on.

So that’s it, back to the day job tomorrow where I’m sure I will hear about all the exciting WPFG duties my fellow Coca-Cola colleagues have been completing during their time as volunteers.

Over and out . . .