Firefighters from across the globe are gearing up for the coldest challenge of their careers as they prepare to race in the skiing and snowboarding events at the World Firefighters Games at Chill Factore on Wednesday 27th August.

Skiing and snowboarding firefighters from all over the world will battle it out on professional courses at Chill Factore.

Free to watch, the racing will be an action-packed afternoon of entertainment for all the family, with the competitors weaving down two specially-designed slalom courses from 1pm. Spectators can watch the firefighters from the viewing balconies and panoramic windows around the Alpine ski village before soaking up the après-ski buzz over a hot chocolate. Prize presentation will take place in Chilli’s bar at 4.30pm.

The public are also invited to watch the ice hockey at Silverblades Ice Rink, Altrincham, between 26 and 28 August – bringing a real mini Winter Olympics feel to Manchester as part of the Games programme.

Peter Hinde, Snow Operations Manager at Chill Factore said: “We are delighted to be hosting this year’s World Firefighters Games. The Games was the first booking we ever made and so it is close to all our hearts. It will be a great event for the public to come and watch with a fantastic atmosphere and some great action on the slopes.”

The World Firefighters Games are being hosted by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, with firefighters from across the globe taking part in 72 events. Based in Liverpool as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations, the 2008 World Firefighters Games will see more than 5,000 competitors from more than 40 countries take part in a programme of events ranging from poker to triathlon across the North West between 24 August and 2 September 2008.

For more information on Chill Factore visit www.chillfactore.com

For the full events programme and latest news on the 2008 World Firefighters Games visit www.wfg08.com