Firefighters gear up for Games bid

Aug 13 2008 by Sue McCann, Bromborough and Bebington News

FIREFIGHTERS from Wirral will be taking part in the 10th World Firefighters Games.

Hosted this year by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the event is the service’s contribution towards the city’s European Capital of Culture celebrations, and has set itself the task of staging the biggest and most successful Games in WFG’s 20-year history.

Various events will be held in Wirral, including ten-pin bowling at Bromborough; rugby at New Brighton and Hoylake; sailing, windsurfing at West Kirby; beach volleyball at Hoylake, and squash at New Brighton.

Firefighters will compete at other world-class venues across Liverpool and the North West.

The fun starts with a spectacular Olympic-style Opening Ceremony on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25, at the Official Games Village at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Firefighter Roy Stewart, who is based at Birkenhead fire station and competing in the football, said: “There are people travelling from around the world to take part in the games and I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

Watch manager Steve Taylor lives in Prenton and is competing in squash and ten-pin bowling.

He said: “Having attended previous Firefighters Games where the competitors have always been made extremely welcome, I am looking forward to returning the favour to all the friends I have made.”

Ben Ryder, station manager at Bromborough, is competing in the tug of war, area manager Dan Stephens, who lives in Heswall, is competing in Iron Dog, while watch manager Paul Kay, who also lives in Wirral, and is taking part in the rugby and tug of war.

Any funds remaining once the games have closed will be split equally between seven chosen charities – Community Foundation for Merseyside, the Fire Fighters Charity, Marina Dalglish Appeal, Lord Mayor of Liverpool’s Appeal, Burned Children’s Club, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Support Network.

Chief fire officer Tony McGuirk said: “The games are going to be a massive boost for the area.”

Visit www.wfg08.com for a full events programme.