The ninth World Firefighters Games has opened in Hong Kong, the first Asian city to host this event since it was launched in 1990. Over 3,300 participants from more than 35 countries and places will take part in the eight-day event, with 59 contests to be held in different parts of the city.

Opening the event today, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said firefighters from around the globe will have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and athletic prowess, renew friendship and build comradeship at the games.

Grand opening: Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Director of Fire Services Kwok Jing-keung officiate at the opening of the ninth World Firefighters Games. The HK Fire Services Team joins in a parade before the opening ceremony.

"The Games also give us an opportunity to salute the bravery and selflessness of all firefighters who, in the words of the famous Fireman's Prayer, are called to duty wherever flames may rage and give of their best in guarding every neighbour and protecting his property," he added.

Director of Fire Services Kwok Jing-keung described the event as a "fun-filled and meaningful event", bringing together professional and voluntary firefighters as well as fire-brigade employees from all over the world.

Since its inception in New Zealand in 1990, the games has been held once every two years by different host cities, offering opportunities for firefighters with diverse cultures to get together to strengthen ties through participating in sporting events.

Programme highlights

Highlights of the games tomorrow will include the "Toughest Firefighter Alive" at the Games Village at Tamar Site, "Running - Staircase" at Two International Finance Centre in Central and the World Firefighters Games Carnival in Lan Kwai Fong.

About 250 participants will vie for the blue ribbon title of the games - "Toughest Firefighter Alive", which is also the most gruelling of all events. The competition encompasses four disciplines - the "hose run", "obstacle course", "tower" and "stair climb".

The participant who completes those four ultimate tests of strength and endurance in the shortest time will win. The competition will be held over four consecutive days starting from tomorrow at the Games Village from 9am to 5pm.

The "Running - Staircase" event at Two International Finance Centre will start at 9am. About 140 contestants will climb the staircases of the 420-metre-tall building from the ground level to the roof. The prize presentation will begin at about 11am.

The carnival in Lan Kwai Fong, starting at 5pm, will feature activities including a bodybuilding competition, eating and drinking contests, cooking demonstration and display of fire appliances and equipment.

Details of the World Firefighters Games are available here. The public are welcome to attend the activities and show their support for the Hong Kong Fire Services Team.