Immediate Release

National Firefighter Challenge to support Parkland burn center Firefighters will break a sweat to support local charities

DALLAS - The Spartan U.S. National Firefighter Combat Challenge ("The Toughest 2 Minutes in Sports," as seen on ESPN) will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 30, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor, 1800 E. Lamar Blvd. in Arlington. The event is free to the public and will support Parkland's burn center with a portion of the proceeds from raffle giveaways. Wearing full bunker gear and breathing apparatus, competitors simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175-pound "victim" as they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock. "We want the entire community to come enjoy a fun-filled day of games, family activities and competition with a purpose," explained Mark Gist, president of the Arlington Fire Combat Committee. "Firefighters from across the country will compete at this year's event, showing their skills and sweatin' for a good cause." A portion of the money raised from raffle giveaways at the Challenge benefit several charities including Parkland's burn center, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Azleway Children's Services, Safe Haven of Tarrant County and the Salvation Army. Giveaways include tickets to the Dallas Cowboys, a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle, a Texas Motor Speedway gift packet and more. "Donations to Parkland's burn center enable us to provide needed services to patients and their families such as programs that assist young patients going back to school, camps and retreats," said Sue Vanek, burn program coordinator. "They also help us purchase the most cutting-edge equipment, allowing treatment options that might otherwise not be available." Serving North Texas and surrounding areas, Parkland's burn center is one of the largest civilian burn units in the nation. The 23-bed center includes an intensive care unit and an acute care unit. Almost 1,000 burn victims are cared for annually.

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For Further Information Contact: Charise Thomason 214.590.8054 charise.thomason@parknet.pmh.org