3,000 Expected for Firefighter Olympics

More than 3,000 firefighters from across the state will compete in the 26th annual California Firefighters Summer Olympics in Ventura.

The weeklong fund-raiser, which begins Sunday, will feature 20 events in an effort to raise $20,000 for local charities.

This is the first time that the Ventura County Professional Firefighters’ Assn. will host the games, and coordinators have spent about two years preparing for them.

“It’s been a long process, but it’s all coming together,” said Jack Nosco, executive director of the association.

The public is invited to attend all events, including a firefighter physical fitness competition from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at Ventura High School. This all-day test of the competitors’ overall fitness includes a morning of swimming, sit-ups, bench press, a sprint and a run, followed by an afternoon fire hose drag and carry, sledgehammer swing, jaws-of-life carry and victim carry. Participants will wear full gear for the afternoon portion.

A luau will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at San Buenaventura State Beach, featuring Hawaiian food, a Polynesian show and music for dancing. Tickets are available for the public at $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Call 484-8844 for tickets or information on events.

All other events are free.

Venue times and locations are available on the event web site at www.ffgames.org or via the 24-hour fax request line at 385-3539, document No. 955.