The National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition Thirteenth Biennial will be held in Fernie.

Provincial and Territorial Surface and Underground Mine Rescue winners from Western Canada Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon and Northwest Territories/Nunavut as well, as the winning surface and underground teams from the Northwestern United States make up the competition. Each team participates in five tasks including first aid, fire and smoke simulation, rope task and a written exam.

Surprisingly; a good portion of the general public are not aware of what mine rescue is and the impact that it has on our communities and families.

Mine rescue team members are your neighbours or the face in the crowd who you recognize as a member of the community; they are sometimes the first person to come upon an accident. You may not know at the time, but you are in good hands.

The intense training and numerous hours these individuals put in to hone their skills prior to competing and the teamwork and support from their families all contribute to the competitor’s success during the competition. Camaraderie, sportsmanship and the sense of pride to be a member of a mine rescue team all contribute to a high energy competition where teams compete against their peers; where the stakes are high and competition is fierce.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Organizers are looking for people to contribute their time to help with this prestigious event. Volunteers can assist in many ways including as; patients, runners, guides, judges, and general event support.

Volunteer are needed for set-up on Thursday September 7 and during the event on Friday, September 8 and Saturday September 9, from 8am-5pm.

Shifts can be flexible and volunteers will receive lunch and an invitation to the banquet on Saturday evening.

To volunteer, or for more information, contact Elke Weber, Event Coordinator: 250.423.6817 or Cityhall@fernie.ca