NEW YORK (BUSINESS WIRE) - A group of New York City firefighters will be blazing a trail to a global sporting event in New Zealand - thanks to ACE.

The Bermuda insurance giant stepped in with funding when the group found it could not afford the trip to the 2002 World Firefighters Games.

Now the group is gearing up to depart on October 19. In honour of firefighters around the world who have been killed in the line of duty, this year's games have been named the Memorial Games, and will open with the dedication of a commemorative sculpture built from three pieces of the World Trade Center.

While participating at the World Firefighter Games, the firefighters will compete for gold in athletic events such as basketball, track and field, swimming and golf.

Steve Maly of Ladder #138, Queens, New York is competing for the gold in the esteemed "Toughest Firefighter Alive" competition, which consists of four timed events including the hose run, firefighter obstacle course, as well as tower and stair climbs.

Upon arrival "down under," the firefighters will be greeted at the airport by representatives of the local Maori tribe, the indigenous people of New Zealand, with a ritual welcome ceremony called the "powhiri."

The ancient powhiri ritual is considered a great honour in New Zealand and was originally meant to establish whether visitors were friends or enemies.

Chaplain Everett Wabst will act as tribal elder for the firefighters, and will offer remarks during the ceremony. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the World Firefighters Games, and are honoured to be welcomed to New Zealand with so much enthusiasm," said Vinny Plover of the FDNY's Ladder Company #85, and an ACE-sponsored firefighter competing in New Zealand.

"We've been training hard and our participation in the Memorial Games not only provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate the resilience of New York City, but also to personally show our appreciation to so many firefighters who supported us through a difficult year."

The ACE Group of Companies (NYSE: ACE) is proud to provide funding for the firefighters' and their guests' transportation, accommodations and registration fees.

"If there is one group that exemplifies perseverance and the American spirit of heroism and patriotism, it is the New York City firefighters," said Brian Duperreault (pictured), chairman and chief executive officer, ACE Limited.

"A few months ago, we discovered that a group of New York City firefighters wanted to go to the games, but couldn't find the funds. We at ACE felt it was essential that the fighting spirit of those so willing to give it all, be represented at this year's World Firefighters Games.

"This is a great group of guys and we're privileged to be able to offer the support to make their trip possible. We wish them the best of luck."

As an official sponsor of Team Dennis Conner of Stars & Stripes, ACE has also invited the firefighters to visit the Stars & Stripes compound and attend Round Two of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series in New Zealand.

The delegation of New York City firefighters and their guests will join Team Dennis Conner and the Stars & Stripes crew in Auckland, New Zealand on October 22.

The firefighters will then continue on to Christchurch, New Zealand on October 25 to participate in the World Firefighters Games, which will run through November 2, 2002.

The World Firefighters Games are held in a different location every two years, covering 72 different sporting events.

The US has always had a strong showing at the games, representing a high percentage of overall attendees each year. This year, New York City's athletes will be joined by firefighters from California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.

The US representatives will compete head-to-head in team and individual sports against representatives from countries around the world, including the Republic of Korea, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tahiti, the United Kingdom and Venezuela, among others.

The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients.

The ACE Group conducts its business on a global basis with operating subsidiaries in nearly 50 countries. Additional information can be found at: www.acelimited.com.