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www.insidehalton.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 21, 2017 | 16 Defending world title in October continued from p.12 "You make us all very proud guys." Featuring competitors from across Canada, the annual challenges take participants to the limits of their endurance, requiring them to run a complex obstacle course in full bunker gear. Overall, the Oakville team won first place with a total finishing time of 4:00:05. Van Zandbergen was first in the men's over-40 category, with a time of 1:22:07. Andy Waldron took second in the men's over 55 category, with a time of 2:08:93. Van Reenen won first in the men's individual competition when he completed the obstacle course in just 1:12:66. His closest competitor, Graham MacKenzie of the Kamloops Fire Department, completed the obstacle course with a time of 1:16:33. "We're excited," said team leader Henderson. "We knew it was going to be a tougher hill to climb this year. We figured everyone would be gunning for us because we came out with the title last year. It's harder to repeat than to win the first time, so we just couldn't be happier." Henderson said previously the competition is not just about bragging rights. He noted preparing for and participating builds endurance that helps Oakville's firefighters do their jobs better. The obstacle course simulates many of the physical challenges a firefighter will have to overcome during day-to-day work. Clad in full turnout gear, including a breathing apparatus, and carrying a 50-pound packed up hose, the participant must race up a five-storey tower. Once atop, the firefighters drops the hose, then hoists up a second hose from the ground. When done the competitor must race down the tower and complete the force machine part of the obstacle course. This essentially involves hitting a 160-pound block with an eight-pound sledgehammer until the block has been driven a certain distance. With the force machine complete, the participant then runs to a water-filled hose, which is dragged for eight feet before being used to extinguish a target. The participant then grabs a 185-pound rescue mannequin, which needs to be dragged about 100 feet backward. Henderson partially attributes this year's victory to the training tower Oakville firefighters get to practise on at their training facility. "Our training went great this year. The facility we have gives us the ability to properly train for it," said Henderson. "Everybody just felt like they were at their best when it mattered." The Oakville team will also have titles to defend at the world championship event, which will be held in Jeffersontown and Louisville, Ky., from Oct. 23 to 28. "I still think we are the best team in the world, but that's why we compete," said Henderson. "You have to go down there and prove it. I feel pretty good about our chances, so long as we stay healthy and run to the ability that we have." THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER HEARING We believe everyone over the age of 60 should get a FREE baseline hearing test. You can join us by simply booking YOUR test today and encouraging your friends to join you. It takes less than 60 minutes, you don't need a doctor's referral, and there's no cost or obligation whatsoever! This year we're donating $4.00 for every test with the goal of providing FREE hearing aids to those who can't afford them ­ So book your test, bring your friends, and together, we can make a difference! A FuSion oF JAPAneSe & chineSe cuiSine in the heArt oF oAkviLLe! ALL YOU CAN EAT Lunch or Dinner 2017 Diamond Award Winner for hearing healthcare centres across Canada are supporting the cause. We hope you'll join too! More than 200 Visit our website CampaignForBetterHearing.org to request an appointment near you! Bronte | 2419 Marine Drive Call Debbie at 1-866-906-9451 Best Sushi! TRUSTED PARTNER OF Book Your holiday Party today 280 North Service Road W. @ Dorval Oakville 905-338-6228 call us for Promo Code: NSP-CFBH-OAKB NIHB, VAC and Worker 's Compensation Provider HS Hearing tests are provided free of charge for adults ages 18 and older. Some conditions may apply. Please see clinic for details. Offer not valid in Quebec. www.august8.ca reservations 10% oFF Dinner only. cash only & with this ad.