CASINO MOOSE JAW SPONSORING FIREFIGHTERS COMBAT CHALLENGE

Firefighters from across Western Canada are geared up for the "Casino Moose Jaw Firefighters Combat Challenge", which takes place Saturday, June 17th.

"We're very pleased to be the title sponsor of this exciting event," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Glenn Hagel said. "We're proud to be able to work with the community to bring another great, nationally recognized tourism draw to Moose Jaw, and to be able to give our support to our local firefighters as they test their skills among the best in Western Canada."

The "Casino Moose Jaw Firefighters Combat Challenge" is a relay race of athletic tasks designed to measure the skill levels of firefighters. Events include climbing a 60 foot tower, dragging a 175 pound dummy, and other rigorous tasks firefighters face regularly, all while dressed in full firefighter gear. It will take place at the intersection of High Street East and Main Street, adjacent to Casino Moose Jaw.

"The Challenge is a great way for us to test our skills, and to give the public an idea of what firefighters face every day on the job," Moose Jaw firefighter Gord Hewitt said, who has been co-ordinating the local event. "I've been competing for three years, and it's amazing how many people approach you afterward and are just amazed by what we have to do. It's a great event for the department."

The Challenge, which includes team and individual categories, is produced by FireFit, a Vancouver-based company. The Moose Jaw event will act as a regional qualifier for teams from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories, although competitors from across Canada and the United States are welcome. Winners will move on to the Championship Finals in Niagara Falls, Ontario in September.

The event is free and open to the public, with the schedule as follows (times are approximate):

Team introductions/welcome 10:00 a.m.
Team relays begin 10:30 a.m.
Individual competition begins 12:30 p.m.
Final races with Canada's top competitors 4:00 p.m.
Announcement of top three competitors 5:00 p.m.
Awards 8:00 p.m.

The Casino Moose Jaw Firefighters Combat Challenge is being held in conjunction with Moose Jaw Sidewalk Days, which will run until Sunday, June 18th.

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For More Information, Contact:

Angela Street Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Regina Phone: (306) 787-6438 Email: angela.street@saskgaming.com Cell: (306) 527-8734