CANCELLED - 2010 UFBA National Firefighter Combat Challenge
We regret to advise our members that, in light of the recent earthquakes in Canterbury, the UFBA has decided to cancel the National Firefighter Combat Challenge scheduled for October 2 in Christchurch.
Emails will be sent to all registered participants advising them of the next steps no later than 8pm on Thursday 9 September.
We understand that the return of the event has been widely anticipated, and we want to assure you this decision has not been made without full consideration of all factors and advice from those “on the ground” in Canterbury.
The following concerns and issues contributed to the cancellation of the event:
- We believe it is unlikely that the Christchurch City Council will confirm consent to build our tower in Cathedral Square as there could be safety concerns around its stability, given the ongoing aftershocks. At this point we understand that the issue of consents has been suspended.
- The safety and re-building efforts in the city have increased the demand for Portaloos, temporary fencing, barriers, and scaffolding, so it is highly unlikely that these resources will be available for our use.
- There are concerns around the availability of accommodation. In emergency situations, even rooms that have already been booked are likely to be given away to locals who have been displaced or emergency crews working on the relief effort.
- Several of the event’s key local organisers and support personnel in the area have been working nonstop since the earthquake struck, and will continue to devote much time to their local communities in the coming weeks.
- The UFBA is concerned for the welfare of these firefighters, and wishes to avoid adding the stress of managing an event to their already intense workloads.
- As at today we note that the state of emergency in Christchurch has been extended a further week to next Wednesday.
We are aware very much that many of you who had planned to attend had already made travel and accommodation arrangements, and we are genuinely sorry for any inconvenience the cancellation may cause.
Our travel management company has advised that Air New Zealand’s policy is to suspend tickets for travel only up to the 30th of September. These can be reissued at a later time for travel within a 12 month period and additional fare collection may apply. For Air New Zealand flights after that date, and all Jetstar and Pacific Blue flights, the standard terms and conditions of your fare type will apply.
Many of you have devoted hours of training in preparation for this event, and we encourage you keep at it to get ready for next year’s events.