Back our bravest in quest for best at ‘firefighter Olympics’
Members of Bitou Fire Departments crew have been training in their spare time for months in preparation for this weekend’s Toughest Fire-tighter Alive competition.
Seven of the local heroes – Adriaan ‘Swannie’ Swanepoel, Gershwin-Lane du Plessis, Faizel Ruiters, Lindiswa Zitshu, Bongani Yawa, Dazell Marais, and Celvin Mabombo – have made the final cut to compete in what is generally regarded as the Olympics for firefighters in Cape Town from August 10 to 12.
These guys and ladies were unfortunately left in the lurch when promised sponsorship was cancelled on short notice, but appeals on social media over the past weeks have gleaned some funds to help them pay for transport, accommodation, and food during their stay.
“They have been really dedicated and committed, training hard over the last few months,” says Donald Ravenscroft of CrossFit Plett, where the contenders have been going through the normal, hard-core exercise routine – with one big difference: they jump and run and lift heavy stuff in their full fire-fighting kit.
“If you haven’t yet, please sponsor our guys and girls to help cover costs of the weekends travel and competing in the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition at Roeland Street Fire Station,” he says.
Readers can deposit directly into the account ARSG at FNB Plett, acc no 6250 2987 904. The team will take a debit card attached to that account along, and updates on amounts in and out will be provided.
Call CrossFit Plett on 044 533 0155 or email info@crossfitpIett.com to find out more, and check them out on Facebook for images and video clips of our team training in full regalia.
• This weekends South African TFA Open will be the fifth biennial running of the event.
Past competitions have attracted teams and more than 100 firefighter participants from across South Africa.
Event objectives include building morale among firefighters, promoting the profession, improving skills, and producing firefighters able to compete on an international stage. It involves gruelling tasks like ladder drills, hose carries, and extinguishing fires, all while wearing full ‘battle gear’
‘We bring you the latest Plettenberg | Garden Route News’