The 2009 WPFG... Continued from page 39
‘once in a lifetime’ experience and he is looking forward to New York City in 2011 and Belfast, Ireland in 2013. Allison and Shaun Chisholm This was the first time for Shaun and Allison to experience the WPFG. “It took about a year of planning, saving, training and courage to compete within an International Field. We enjoyed competing in the events and meeting new people. When we recognized another Toronto Fire Fighter’s face cheering us on or competing beside us, it was a bonus. One challenging aspect of the Games was that the events were too spread out over a large geographic area making travel to events quite difficult”. Allison has some regrets that they were unable to see the other competitions that were not local to their place of residence. As a couple competing for Toronto Fire
Allison wins gold in her first WPFG and is excited to defend her win on her son’s 10th birthday in New York City in 2011
Services, it was difficult to manage childcare for our kids but friends and family were there to help. We are looking forward to the next games in New York City since it will be our first child’s 10th birthday and he was born two hours before the first plane crashed into the WTC.” Shaun, who by the way swam across Lake Ontario in 2008 for charity, managed to finish in fourth place in the 3.2 km open water swim. Happy and satisfied with his result, Shaun was 40
Rob Howard and Ted Kular meet the 2015 WPFG Committee as they prepare for the Toughest Competitor Alive
overheard stating, ‘If only the race was another 30 or 40 km, those guys were mine’. Allison is impressed with the inscription on the back of the medals which reads, “To promote Physical Fitness among the Law-Enforcement and Fire Fighting Community.” Allison managed to win a gold medal in the hill climb & three silvers in the time trial, road race & triathlon Also competing in the various cycling events were Matt Drenters and Roy Zuchetto, not only medal winners in British Columbia but in several previous games as well. Robert Meecham and Jeff Gayman Rob and Jeff travelled west with several others to compete in the ice hockey competition. Rob describes his experience as ‘awesome’ and he felt privileged to play with such a group of unselfish players from our local. The highlight of the games for Rob was the chance for his wife and kids to visit the lower mainland (where he grew up) and watch him play in every game. The venue also provided an opportunity for many of Rob’s extended family to see him play again. Many of the players brought their families along and turned the games into an athletic event and family vacation. Jeff describes the event as “memorable” and also describes, in detail, the team’s semi-final win over Edmonton Fire as well as the gold medal game against the Vancouver Police. The final was a close, hard fought affair with our guys scoring in the empty net in the dying moments to secure a 3 to 1 win. Although both Toronto goalies (Matt
Cranswick and Chris Rowe) had ‘rock solid’ outings in the tournament, it was Rob Meecham who was voted the tournament MVP by his peers. Another highlight for the team was having their gold medals presented by NHL and Team Canada veteran Paul Kariya – a local boy himself. By all accounts, the British Columbia Games of 2009 were not only an opportunity to compete but also a great chance to see a beautiful part of our country. Many brought along their families and together they had a memorable summer. For those who have not experienced the
Men’s indoor volleyball team wins silver medal
games, the 2011 New York City Games offer a chance to do so - and do so close to home. As we are all aware, this will be the ten year anniversary of the most tragic day in the history of the Fire Service. The games take place prior to the scheduled memorial events and it will be a sought after ticket as we near the anniversary. Take a minute and review the opportunities available in New York City today. You may want to consider viewing the events simply as a
Men’s over 45 ice hockey team - many players have participated in several WPFG
spectator to witness all that the games have to offer. Make no mistake about it – the 2011 games will be an event to remember.