News Release
Firefighter Combat Challenge Heats up Downtown Anchorage this Weekend
Anchorage, Alaska – June 25, 2008 – Local firefighters will feel the burn as they demonstrate their strength and skill during the Firefighters Combat Challenge, which kicks off the We’re In Weekend 50th on Fourth celebration, 10 a.m., Sat., June 28, 2008, in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
Dubbed “the toughest two minutes in sports” by ESPN, the Challenge simulates the physical demands of real-life firefighting as competitors race against themselves, their opponent and the clock, wearing "full bunker gear" and their Air-Pak breathing apparatus, to tackle a linked series of five tasks including a 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. “victim.”
“It’s is an infectious, friendly and spirited competition.” said Paul O. Davis, Ph.D. President, OnTarget Challenge, Inc., which organizes the event. “The races are exciting and close, and most spectators walk away with a whole new respect for the job.”
For the past 17 years, That Challenge has played an important role in promoting physical activity within the fire service. It also provides a public platform for demonstrating the fitness levels required to withstand the rigors of the job, and for showcasing the professionalism, courage and dedication of the men and women in who risk their lives.
More than 50 Alaska firefighters have signed up for the Challenge, in addition to individuals from Virginia and Washington. Qualifiers move on to the World Challenge held in Las Vegas this fall. This is the first time the event will be held in Anchorage.
Child’s Play
Kids age four to 11 will get their chance to play hero, too, on the Kid's Firefighter Challenge course, set outside the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau corporate offices on E street during the Challenge, which will run through approximately 1 p.m.
In order, each child carries a shoulder load of hose, climbs to the top of a 12-foot inflatable tower, slides to the bottom, where they “stop, drop and roll.” They then crawl through the tunnel, work the miniature Keiser Force Machine with the supplied mallet, advance a 1-inch wildland fire line with authentic nozzle striking a target and finally “make the rescue” with an appropriately-sized mannequin.
We’re In Weekend commemorates the Anchorage Times headline “WE’RE IN” that appeared on the paper’s front page, June 30, 1958 – the day the United States Congress gave their stamp of approval to Alaska’s bid for statehood. Weekend-long celebration events include:
Fri. June 27 The midnight sun just might be outshined when country music diva Wynonna Judd rocks a capacity crowd of an anticipated 75,000 during OPERATION GRATITUDE, Alaska’s Concert for the Military – the kick-off event of Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood Celebration, 7 p.m., June 27, 2008, on Anchorage’s Elmendorf Air Force Base.
Sat., June 28 During Anchorage’s 50th On Fourth, June 28, 2008, visitors and residents will travel back in time to the fabulous fifties during a day filled with fantastic music, phenomenal feats of strength and historic tours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. At Noon, special guests will participate in a historic reenactment of the hanging of the 49th star on the American flag at Anchorage’s old Federal Court building on the corner of G and Fourth.
Explore http://www.anchorage.net/50 for event details. The 5th Avenue Garage is free to the public.
Media Contact: Dr. Paul O. Davis, Ph.D.
President, OnTarget Challenge, Inc.
301.717.8410
www.firefighterchallenge.com
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Anchorage Civic and Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net. # # #
