Fire Cadets from across all Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire cadet (HIWFRS) units joined together for the first time ever for a day of firefighting related fun and obstacle courses on Saturday 8 June.
Cadets from Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Gosport, Ringwood, Rushmoor, Sandown and Southsea all came together for an activity day held at the Oasis Academy Mayfield in Southampton.
Throughout the day the cadets competed in a series of challenges and activities to gain points for their teams and the competition between the units was ‘on fire’! Each cadet team competed in various assault courses including fire service equipment such as hose reels and rope ladders.
This was the first time that all fire cadet units from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been brought together and their determination and enthusiasm on the day was clear to see. After all the activities the group of cadets enjoyed a well-deserved barbecue dinner and ice creams to finish off the day.
Congratulations to the winning team Eastleigh Fire Cadets who took home the trophy for first place!
HIWFRS’ Fire Cadet Manager Clair Hayward said:
“I’m so proud of what the cadets achieved throughout the day – they showed sheer determination, resilience and fantastic teamwork skills and we are so lucky to be working with such an amazing group of young people.
“Huge congratulations to our winning team Eastleigh Fire Cadets and a massive thank you to all our Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors, Rapid Relief Team, Oasis Hub East Southampton and Phil’s Ices, who all supported our event.”
Fire Cadets is a training programme run by the fire service to give youngsters between the ages of 13 and 17 the opportunity to gain essential social, life, work and wellbeing skills, and develop their confidence and personal skills.
The Service is looking for new recruits to join the Ringwood, Rushmoor and Sandown Fire Cadet units in September. If you know any 13–17-year-olds who might be interested you can find out more here.