You can now be in the shoes of a UAE firefighter and earn Dh100,000

The World Firefighter Challenge 2016 (WFFC) has opened its gate to the public for the first time ever, and you’re invited to be a part of it.

The recent high-profile incident at the Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai, saw UAE firefighters demonstrate their strength and professionalism through a rapid and effective response time.

The incident highlighted the incredible and vital role of firefighters and the bravery and physicality that is required in their positions.

This year, a public category has been added to the WFFC and it will be the first of its kind, having never been done before in the history of firefighter challenges all over the world.

UAE World Firefighter Challenge Public Category will give a taste of the extensive training that goes into becoming a firefighter and the supreme levels of fitness required from these civic heroes.

The challenge will see members of the UAE public test their fitness to the maximum to see if they are capable of withstanding the levels of physicality expected from our firefighters.

Do you have it in you?

Members of the public will be encouraged to test their fitness and strength by undertaking the same challenge tailored for the firefighters.

Cash prizes totaling over Dh100,000 awaits the public category winners, aside from having the bragging rights of being the first ever winner of the competition in the world.

Organised by the Ministry of Interior and 911 Challenge Event Management, in partnership with Fitness First Middle East, the event seeks to celebrate the nation’s fittest men and women.

It will also illustrate the critical importance of fitness when it comes to saving lives and the final leg of the challenge will be held on the sidelines of the International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience (ISNR), Abu Dhabi 2016, held in collaboration with Reed Exhibitions at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

What you’ll need to do

The first step of the WFFC Public Category is a baseline challenge that involves a series of intensive exercises to be completed within 35 minutes.

The exercises included weighted treadmill run, bear pulls, and burpee box step-overs, among others. Designed to push bodies to the highest levels of endurance, these exercises will determine who is capable of withstanding the challenge itself, with only a minority of the toughest and most physically fit expected to qualify.

“This initiative presents a fantastic means for people – particularly younger generations – to come to understand and truly appreciate the commitment required, and sacrifices made by our firefighters in order to ensure our safety and protection. They are an inspiration to us all,” said Major General Jasem Al Marzogy, Director General of Dubai Civil Defense.

Tribute to real-life heroes

“We’re delighted to be involved in this collaboration and show our tremendous support and admiration for the civic heroes of the Emirates,” said George Flooks, Chief Operating Officer of Fitness First Middle East “We’re looking forward to demonstrating and educating the public on the real rigors of the training required to perform as a firefighter,” he added.

Where, how to participate

If you think you have what it takes to take part in this grueling and unique challenge, you can register and participate at the following Fitness First clubs: Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Fardan Centre, Sharjah, Julphar Towers Ras Al Khaimah, Century Mall – Fujairah, and in Dubai – Mirdif City Centre, Oasis Centre, Ibn Battuta Club, Burjuman, Motor City.

Registration is open from January 14 through to February 16.

The first Firefighter Public Competition is being held in association with the UAE World Firefighter Challenge, the annual international event held under the patronage of the Ministry of the Interior that will see firefighters from over 20 different countries compete at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center from March 15-17, 2016.

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