ASSINIBOIA – Representing Canada at a global competition isn’t something most people get a chance to experience. Assiniboia firefighter Riley Malone had just that opportunity recently, competing in the World Police & Fire Games in Winnipeg.
“It’s kinda like the Olympics for Police and Fire,” he explained. “Take your Summer Olympics, and that’s the kind of sports they have.”
Around 8,500 athletes from all over the world competed for 10 days through 63 sports, including the Ultimate Firefighter. This event features both individual and a team stages that test agility, strength and speed at the individual and team level.
Malone won gold in the individual 18+ age group, competing in Hose Tank, Weight and Strength, Obstacle Course and High Rise, with an overall time of 4:28. This was a mere three seconds faster than second place competitor from Romania, and five seconds ahead of Shaunavon firefighter Corey Gulaga. Malone and Gulaga had competed in Firefit competitions before, so sharing the podium together was a special touch to the Games.
In the team event held on the second day, the South Sask Boys took home the bronze for the 18+ category with an overall time of 4:10 (with the Czech Republic reaching silver at 3:40, and those famously speedy Bomberiros RJ from Brazil taking gold at 3:35).
“It was cool being a team representing Team Canada - I never thought I’d do that,” Malone told SASKTODAY.ca.
Adding to the difficulty, participants compete wearing some of their gear such as a jacket, helmet and air pack. The High Rise stage, however, is run in full turnout gear.
“They picked the tallest building in Winnipeg, and you’re fully geared up and you gotta go from the bottom to the top as quick as possible,” Malone explained. “It was 40 floors - we don’t have those in Saskatchewan!”
The Games also emphasized the spirit of camaraderie with Malone coming away with some new friendships.
“You want the guy beside you to do just as good as you,” he said. “You’re helping each other out, trying to make each other faster.”
This year was the first time the Games - which is held every two years - was open to volunteer firefighters to participate. Given the rather close proximity of the Games this year, Malone grabbed a couple friends from Shaunavon, one from Regina, and the group ventured to Winnipeg.
“We just signed up and went, which was the crazy part,” he said.
The next edition of the World Police & Fire Games is slated to be held in Birmingham, Alabama - a bit of a hike, but perhaps these memories of Winnipeg will inspire another Saskatchewan contingent to return.
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