Video above of Hugh Robertson MP being interviewed by YFA
Vij Randeniya, chief fire officer for the West Midlands has declared this afternoon's ‘tow a fire engine’ competition in Victoria square, Birmingham a great success.
Youth teams from Coventry YFA, Firefighters Junior FC and Four Oaks Jaguars FC competed with fire crews from around the West Midlands in a bid to tow a fire service vehicle in the fastest possible time.
With special guests David Moorcroft and Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson MP present, large crowds gathered to witness the spectacle which saw the youth teams competing against each other to tow an emergency services’ Range Rover, while fire crews battled against each other to tow a fire engine.
The youth event was a closely fought contest with Team YFA 3 narrowly crossing the line first to claim victory. The firefighters competition was won by the team from Technical Rescue, Bickenhill.
Vij said: "Today’s event has been a great success, the crowds that gathered to watch really got behind the teams and showed their support. I’d like to congratulate all those that took part and helped support the event."
The event was organised by West Midlands Fire Service, following its award of the prestigious ‘Inspire’ mark for two of its community based projects – One Body One Life, and a sports initiative run by the Young Firefighters Association. It is one part of a year long programme of activities which WMFS is hosting in a bid to encourage individuals, families and communities from across the West Midlands to be inspired by the 2012 Olympics.
Photo's from the day can be viewed by clicking here.
Speaking prior to his visit to Birmingham, Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson MP said: “The Inspire Award is for projects that use the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a catalyst to encourage people to get into sport and put something back into their communities.
"I am pleased to be in Birmingham to present the 1500th Inspire Award to the West Midlands Fire Service for its Fire Fighters Association Sports project and its’ One Body One Life project that are benefiting the lives of young people in the region.”
Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Organising Committee Chair said: “At one year to go to the London 2012 Games, the 1500th Inspire award is a significant milestone. I am proud that with the help of partners such as the WMFS, we are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to inspire people across the UK and boost participation in projects such as the Young Firefighters Association and One Body One Life project.’
