- Clarence van Roodt, a retired firefighter from Kensington, Cape Town, recently participated in his final World Firefighter Games in Aalborg, Denmark.
- Competing in various athletic events, he won silver medals in the long jump, javelin, and tug of war, and a gold medal in the 4x100m relay.
- After a 35-year career in firefighting, van Roodt is proud of his achievements and encourages others to participate in the global event.
Kensington resident Clarence van Roodt (57) was part of a team of Capetonians that represented the country at the bi-annual World Firefighter Games held in Aalborg, Denmark recently.
He bagged silver medals for the long jump and javelin in his age category.
In the tug of war, his team won a silver medal and walked away with a gold medal for the 4 x 100 m relay sprint.
Not a bad feat considering this is his eighth and final year participating.
Van Roodt retired as a firefighter in March this year following a 35-year career. This year marked the 15th edition of the international sporting event where firefighters (full-time, part-time, volunteers and retired firefighters) from across the globe participated in a wide variety of sports activities.
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The activities consist of more than 40 different events, including the Toughest Firefighter Alive competition, track-and-field, swimming, tennis, archery, triathlon, karate and cycling among others.
The games provide a platform for firefighters to come together to compete and share skills and friendships.
Over 1 500 firefighters from 46 countries battled it out from Saturday 7 to Saturday 14 September.
Van Roodt tells People’s Post: “I find it exciting. I have been involved in sports for many years. Every time the experience is different because you’re in a different country. To experience going to another country and competing in another country is amazing. That’s why I went back each time.”
He says he is happy with the achievements considering he won’t be returning for the next games in 2026. “I said this is my last year. It was almost like a farewell tour for me.”
He encourages other firefighters to participate. “If you have the means and love to compete in whatever sport, then go and experience this and see for yourself what it is all about.
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, says 23 firefighters from across the City took part in the games this year.
He explains that the team won 19 gold medals, 21 silver and 20 bronze. “By the nature of their work, they are required to stay fit and exercise regularly. This has stood them in good stead during the games.”
