History of the Games
The first World Firefighters Games event was held in 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand. The inaugural Games attracted thousands of international firefighters – along with their families – and marked the launch of a biennial celebration that unites firefighters and citizens the world over.
From the outset, the World Firefighters Games was intended to be an inclusive event that celebrates the camaraderie, heroism, health, fitness and spirit of the men and women who work in one of the world’s most respected professions. While the emphasis of the Games is on participation, competition is fierce. Some are champion athletes, they’re all champion people.
With the traditional values of sport as its cornerstone, the Games event is also an opportunity for firefighters to experience new places and immerse themselves in the cultures and lifestyles of the various cities that have hosted the Games since their inception. Equally importantly, it’s an opportunity for residents of the host cities to share the celebration – as participants, spectators or volunteers - and mingle with firefighters at the various social events held in association with the Games.
The World Firefighters Games, initiated by an American entrepreneur and a committee of international firefighters, has grown into one of the world’s largest participation sporting events. Those eligible to compete include full-time, part-time, rural and volunteer firefighters as well members of emergency services, aviation and military organisations - along with their direct family members.
The World Firefighters Games 2012 will be held in Sydney, host of the ‘best ever’ Olympic Games. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games left many legacies, including world class sporting venues. A highlight of the 2012 World Firefighters Games will be the opportunity for firefighters to compete at Olympic standard sporting facilities – venues which created so many memorable moments in 2000.
Another legacy of the 2000 Olympics is the ‘face’ of Sydney that was showcased to the world. Sydney’s iconic landmarks, majestic harbour and magnificent beaches provide the backdrop, but its people are the essence of this popular tourist destination. Warm, friendly and welcoming, Sydneysiders are the heart of this vibrant city.
The World Firefighters Games 2012 offers an ideal opportunity to recreate the atmosphere of the ‘best ever’ Olympic Games. Along with the spectacular sporting events in 2012, there will be a calendar of social and entertainment events. The Pyrmont harbour foreshore will be ‘party central’ during the World Firefighters Games 2012, hosting the Games Village and a range of entertainment marquees that will be established especially for the 10-day Games celebration.
WFG Events is proud to present the World Firefighters Games Sydney 2012 in aid of the Westmead Children’s Hospital Burns Unit and in partnership with Scott Safety, Virgin Australia, Randwick City Council, Events Sydney, Destination NSW, NSW Fire & Rescue, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service and Moves Travel.
In 2012 Sydney joins the following list of World Firefighters Games host cities:
| 1990 - Auckland, New Zealand |  |
| 1992 - Las Vegas, United States of America |  |
| 1994 – Perth, Australia |  |
| 1996 – Edmonton, Canada |  |
| 1998 – Durban, South Africa |  |
| 2000 – Mantes, France |  |
| 2002 – Christchurch, New Zealand | |
| 2004 – Sheffield, England |  |
| 2006 – Hong Kong, China |  |
| 2008 - Liverpool, England | |
| 2010 - Daegu, South Korea |  |