Bermudian firefighters returned home victorious from the ninth World Fire Fighters Games in Hong Kong.

Every two years firefighters from around the world take part in sporting events such as hose laying, high angle rescue, and the Toughest Fire-fighter Alive competition.

Participants must be either a full-time or volunteer fire fighter, or be a part of an Emergency Rescue Services team.

A variety of sports competitions are also held ranging from archery to poker. Hong Kong is the first Asian city to ever host the event, which has existed for almost 20 years.

Lt. Wenda Godfrey competed in two cycling events, a road race and criterium, and returned home with two gold medals.

She said the 40 km road race was particularly challenging owing to four major hills.

A criterium is a race on a smaller course that requires cyclists to do laps and is usually a shorter distance than a road race.

Whillimae Astwood also competed in the women?s cycling events.

Jay Donawa was another medal winner, bringing home two silver medals for the 10k cross country and half marathon. Ed Harris took part in both races narrowly missing out on a bronze medal in his age group of the half marathon

Vic Ball Sr. competed in the a cycling road race and criterium. Mr. Ball just missed out on the bronze medal for his age group in the criterium.

Vance Hassell participated in the golf tournament finishing with scores of 74, 78 and 76 respectively on a 72 par course.

The soccer team finished 4th, finding the two games a day ? for three days ? rigorous.

The opening ceremony was held at the water front of Victoria Harbour and involved a parade and traditional culture shows.

There was also a social night which included cooking demonstrations, fire appliances and equipment exhibition, bodybuilding competition as well as eating and drinking competitions

Chief Fire Officer, Vincent Hollinsid, thanked participants for their dedication and commitment in preparing for and participating in the games