Firie victorious at world games

WENDOUREE Fire Brigade is having an impact as far away as the Netherlands.

Brigade volunteer and CFA West Region instructor Rob Foote recently competed in the World Police and Fire Games in Rotterdam, winning five medals across three disciplines.

Tested on a rowing machine, Foote won gold over 2000 metres, and silver over 1000 metres. He also took home two silvers for solo and team cross country running events over 10 kilometres.

Completing a 51-floor stair climb in full firefighting gear, he won a bronze medal.

The World Police and Fire Games feature 63 sports and attract competitors from 70 countries when they run every second year

Foote has represented the nation six times since 2011.

“Australia usually has between 200 and 300 competitors, which dropped to around 50 this year,” Foote said.

“Even so, I was able to catch up with many of the international competitors I’ve met throughout the years at the games.

“That’s one of the main reasons I continue competing, to catch up with all friends I’ve made while enjoying a little healthy competition.”

Foote is set to take part in next year’s Victorian Police and Emergency Services Games, and Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games.

“These games are a fantastic opportunity for CFA members to participate in their favourite sport or learn a new one, while making new friends or catching up with old ones,” he said.

Foote took part in last weekend’s Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb at the Crown Metropol Hotel, a 28-floor challenge also done full turnout gear, raising funds and awareness for mental health conditions, support and research, and to decrease instances of depression, post-traumatic stress and suicide.