349 firefighters (and 58 auxiliary participants) will climb their way to the top of Auckland's Sky Tower in an intense gut-busting, cardio challenge to raise funds for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF).
In its sixth year, the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge has become a New Zealand tradition. In 2008, 58 fire brigades participated and raised a record $94,000. For the last three years the Paihia Volunteer Fire Brigade have been lead fundraisers for the LBF and is gearing up to defend their title.
The courageous New Zealand fire brigades will compete in a race up the 51 flights - or 1,103 Sky Tower steps - wearing full firefighting kit weighing 25kg. They will be joined by two overseas brigades from Australia and the United States.
Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the LBF, says the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is a fantastic event and each year the LBF are overwhelmed by the amazing enthusiasm and generosity of the firefighters.
"They balance hectic work and life schedules, months of mental and physical training and still manage to find time to fundraise for the six New Zealanders who are diagnosed everyday with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood cancers. They are truly our heroes and remarkable members of their communities.
"In this changing economy we are ever appreciative for SKYCITY and Auckland Airport's support of the event and of the 349 fabulous firefighters who are up for this challenge. We hugely thank Auckland Airport firefighter, and Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge organiser, Tony Scott for every year coming out with a great level of enthusiasm and energy to make this event a success."
SKYCITY Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Morrison, says SKYCITY is proud to support the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge.
"SKYCITY is privileged to be involved in a large number of events that really make a difference in our community and we look forward to welcoming hardworking and courageous firefighters from all over New Zealand and overseas to the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere."
