First responders in Fire, Police and EMS will be going head-to-head for a second year in a row at the 2023 YXE First Responders Fitness Festival.

Drew Davidson, Deputy Superintendent of the Medavie Health Services West Mobile Integrated Health Program says over 60 athletes will be competing in various athletic activities at Saskatoon’s Gordie Howe Sports Complex Saturday and Sunday. These include a run, an obstacle course, a tug-of-war, and a strong-man competition.

Prior to the event, each first responder has been raising money through raffles and donations for two different organizations; KidSport and OSICAN.

KidSport aims to get numerous children into sports this winter, promoting their physical and mental well-being. Operational Stress Injury Canada, or OSICAN, supports people who are exposed to work and stress- related injuries, many of which work in fire, police, and EMS. Their goal was to raise $30,000, which has already been surpassed by $10,000.

Davidson says the event doesn’t just serve as a fundraiser or entertainment. He encourages anyone who has an interest in police, fire, or EMS to come out and ask questions. There will be recruitment teams from the organizations present, as well.

The event is taking place at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex from 9:00-4:00pm each day. The event is open to the public to watch for free, and there will be a kid’s festival complete with a bouncy castle, face painting, and mascots.

More can be found here.