KELSO firefighters will host the Fire and Rescue NSW State Firefighter Championships in October.
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The event, which is expected to attract at least 40 teams, will be held from October 23-25 at Learmonth Park.
Kelso Fire Brigade deputy captain Shane Kearney said it is the first time the city has hosted the state titles.
There will be 15 events, including motorised, standard hose and hydrant and single competitor challenges. One of the highlights will be a torchlight street procession followed by a sporting club challenge and fireworks at Carrington Park on the evening of Friday, October 24.
Mr Kearney said the procession will make its way along William Street and down Howick Street to Carrington Park on dusk, around 7pm to 7.30pm.
“There will be a number of fun events at Carrington Park, including an intersport challenge involving an old hose cart,” he said.
“Teams from the Bulldogs, Bushrangers, St Pat’s and Souths hockey clubs, a soccer club, and Panthers and St Pat’s rugby league clubs will take part. A fireworks display will cap off the evening.”
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and watch the parade, games and fireworks display.
Mr Kearney said he loves being a part of the competitions.
“When I stop competing I’ll still go for the camaraderie,” he said.
This year Kelso will be entering two teams because the competition will be held ‘at home’.
Their number one team, the current state champions, has been working alongside a team of Kelso fire fighters who normally do not get the opportunity to compete to help them prepare for the event. About 10 Kelso firefighters will be competing over the three days.
Central West teams from Bathurst, Oberon and Canowindra will also them. A team from New Zealand will be taking part, along with three teams from Victoria.
