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The Aspire Zone Foundation, in collaboration with the Civil Defence Department of the Ministry of Interior, will celebrate National Sport Day by organising Qatar’s second Firefighter Challenge. Set to take place at Aspire Zone this Tuesday, the tournament is the ultimate test of speed, endurance, strength and concentration. |
“The Civil Defence Authority is organising the firefighter challenge for the second year running after its overwhelming success last year,” said Captain Hussein Aman al-Ali on behalf of the General Directorate of Civil Defence.
“Without a doubt civic defence is a physically demanding field and requires great effort and concentration. Preparing our men is in line with preparing our society to combat dangers that face both the individual and the community.”
“We consider this tournament one of the most important methods of practicing stamina, strong reflexes and decision-making in dangerous situations,” he added.
“We have been keen to continue the challenge with the participation of all our men, who have been preparing and training for some time in order to prove their presence and ability to safeguard the community.”
The competition plays a major role in the training of firefighters as it teaches them essential rescue methods that are in-line with the best international standards and evaluations.
The aim of the tournament is to enhance the mental and physical skills required for the firefighters to perform to the best of their abilities.
In addition, it raises awareness of the risks involved in the industry and highlights the heroic efforts of the firefighters, as well as strengthens ties between firefighters and the community.
Khalifa al-Kubaisi, Safety and Security Director at AZF said, “The Foundation seeks through its co-operation with various state entities to spread a culture of safety and security, not only among its staff but also among the general public. Security is one of the pillars of work carried out by AZF, especially in its organisation of international sports events and we work hard to ensure these world-class events are secured with the appropriate safety measures.”
“Our current co-operation with the Civil Defence directorate aims to spread this culture in a practical way that is also recreational, as it allows the public to watch and observe the activities involved,” he added.
A selection of participants will compete in the challenge, including 30 firefighters from the General Directorate of Civil Defence Qatar, two teams from Qatar Petroleum (10 firefighters), five firefighters from the UAE Armed Forces, five firefighters from AssetCo Fire and Rescue in the UAE, and two entries from Lekhwiya (one firefighter).
Individuals, doubles, and groups of three to five people can enter the competition. Each entry is required to compete in full equipment, including fire protection clothing and breathing apparatus. The competition is time-based, and consists of five stages.
This tournament is also held annually in the United States and features different countries from North and South America, Europe and Australia.