Extinguishing fires and tackling the obstacle course: In Hanover, hundreds of fire service athletes are fighting for victory in a European championship in various disciplines.
Hanover (dpa) – Around 400 firefighters from Germany and several other countries started their “European championship” for the fittest emergency services in Hanover in the sweltering heat.
On Saturday, tandem and relay competitions were in the foreground, on Sunday individual competitions are to follow. The meeting is considered an “open EM”. According to information from the Hanover Company Sports Association and the trade fair, on whose grounds the “Interschutz Community Days” show, participants from the USA and Iran were also registered.
Women and men had to face the same sweaty tasks. With temperatures above 30 degrees in the sun, it was no easy task at the “FireFit European Championships” to run through the course in full gear with a helmet, heavy equipment and tools. The teams had to climb, pull hoses and rescue dummies, among other things. “It was really hot,” was the message on the sidelines of the event.
When combining sports and show programs, firefighters have to demonstrate strength, coordination and stamina. The former winner and “toughest firefighter in the world”, Joachim Posanz from Göttingen, also took part. “We were in idle mode for a year and a half, now we have the competition in mind again, and we are happy to finally let the pig out,” he said. A group of chimney sweeps who had come to the exhibition grounds as a lucky charm must have sweated a lot in their black clothes.
The “FireFit Championships” were held in Canada for the first time in 1994. Visitors can follow the competitions in Hanover, but they have to register in advance. A total of 30 companies and organizations also introduce themselves. The final results and honors in the individual competitions are planned for late Sunday afternoon.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210619-99-55669 / 7
