Lithuanian Firefighters Won “The Strongest Firefighter Championship of the Baltic States”
On 7–8 of June 2024 “The Strongest Firefighter Championship of the Baltic States” took place in Šiauliai. It was the 43rd Championship, which brought together the strongest firefighters from Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Poland.
Ms Agnė Bilotaitė, the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, congratulated the firefighters who gathered in Šiauliai before the upcoming competitions. “Our officers have not only the highest public trust, but also physical fitness and strong will, therefore, we can feel safe,” said the Minister. “Every day you risk your life, health and it requires a lot of preparation, and not only physical fitness. I would like to wish you to continue to promote Lithuania and to set an example with your good deeds. I wish you the best of luck,” she added.
“If you ask how firefighters can be described in any country, the answer is that they are brave, strong and determined. The Baltic countries show unity. I am pleased that the Championship, although interrupted for various reasons, has returned and been organized again. I wish everyone safe starts and good personal results”, said Mr Saulius Greičius, Director of the Fire and Rescue Department, addressing the guests and firefighters.
Championship guests, Mr Margo Klaos, Director General of the Estonian Rescue Board, and Mr Intars Zitans, Deputy Chief of the Latvian Fire and Rescue Service, were glad about newly revived Championship and congratulated the participants wishing them determination and perseverance while achieving victory. Ms Lina Minderienė, Director of the Lithuanian Olympic Foundation, also congratulated the participants of the Championship.
“We have spared neither time nor effort in preparing for the Championship. In total, 14 teams are taking part, including 8 teams from Lithuania. We are ready and we will all strive for the victory,” said Mr Andrius Ašmontas from Šiauliai, one of the organisers of the Championship, who has participated in several international competitions.
The Championship lasted for two days. On the first day, the individual race was organized, as well as a qualifications for the team relay race. On the second day, the firefighters competed in the tandem race, with tough and demanding races in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final of the team relay race.
This year Lithuanian firefighters became the winners of the Championship, the Latvian team came second and the Estonian team came third.
During the relay race the first place went to Šiauliai Fire and Rescue Board team, the second place was won by Panevėžys Fire and Rescue Board team and the third place went to the Latvian firefighters.