FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TO: ALL MEDIA OUTLETS
FROM: YUKON CONVENTION BUREAU

April 29, 2004

YUKON CONVENTION BUREAU AND WHITEHORSE FIREFIGHTERS ON FIRE!

WHITEHORSE, YUKON – The Yukon Convention Bureau (YCB), in conjunction with the Whitehorse Fire Department, are pleased to announce that FireFit Canada will be hosting its first ever regional competition North of 60!  The competition is slated to take place in Whitehorse, May 27 – 29, 2005.

The Whitehorse Team will be joined by other teams from Alberta, BC and Alaska.  This is the first time that firefighters from Alaska will be invited to compete in the FireFit Canada Combat Challenge.

This event provides firefighters with the opportunity to network with their peers while competing at the highest level of physical fitness.  Completing the course in less than three minutes is considered an excellent achievement.  All 2003 team members from Whitehorse completed the course in less than two minutes!  Firefighters use the regional competitions to qualify for the National Combat Challenge and to improve their course completion time.

FireFit Canada wants the general public to get involved with the competition and encourages everyone to come out and support their local teams!  “The Whitehorse Fire Department is going to host an incredible event and put on a wonderful show with all kinds of activities available to the public.” said Clive Sparks, Whitehorse Fire Chief.   “Our Department members have competed at the National level and qualified for International Competitions.  When the time comes, make sure you get out there and support your local team!”

“We are so pleased to have been able to secure the Yukon as a destination for this competition.  For the Yukon to be increasingly successful as a meeting destination, YCB needs to have the support of local groups like the Whitehorse Fire Department who believe in Yukon and who make the effort to bring their group home.” said Paul Choquette, YCB President. 

YCB projects that the 3-day stay/1-day competition will generate approximately $213,600 in direct spending for the territory.  Winning this proposal is a direct result of the marketing efforts of the YCB.  This contact was established through YCB’s local advertising program.

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Contacts:
Clive Sparks
Whitehorse Fire Chief
City of Whitehorse
867-668-8699

Sandy Hachey
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Yukon Convention Bureau
867-668-3555