CHARLOTTE, Mich., July 15, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Some of the best trained, most physically fit athletes in North America will be in Charlotte, Mich. on July 22-23 as Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), hosts the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge (FCC). The FCC encourages firefighter fitness and skill development, and demonstrates the rigors of firefighting for the public.
"We are proud to bring what has been called the 'toughest two minutes in sports' to mid-Michigan," said Ed Dobbs, Senior Vice President of Emergency Response Chassis at Spartan Motors. "Firefighting is a physically taxing profession, and we are certain that spectators will be truly amazed and entertained, and gain a new appreciation for the guardians of our public safety. This is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the excellence of these heroes and contribute to the well-being of the industry. We look forward to hosting the competitors, their families and friends, and the public for this dramatic event."
Wearing full bunker gear and breathing apparatus, FCC competitors will race their opponents and the clock as they execute the physical demands of firefighting. The event will feature a linked series of five tasks, including climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 pound "victim."
Alongside the main competition will be a "Kid's Challenge" course for children 4 – 11 years old. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in events that mirror those in the FCC, and get outfitted with a helmet and "turn-out gear."
Each year the FCC attracts hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments to more than 25 locations around the world, including New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Chile and South Africa.
The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22 and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 23. In addition to the FCC, various additional activities will be offered including firefighter waterball, 3-on-3 basketball, a downtown car show, a display of antique fire apparatus at the Courthouse Square Museum, Spartan Motors product displays and factory tours, children's activities, entertainment, a food court, and much more.
Shuttle vehicles will be available to transport spectators to and from parking sites. Please consult the event website at www.spartanchassis.com/info/contact/combatchallenge.asp for driving directions and parking information, including disability parking. For more information or to register for the FCC or the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, please visit www.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Chassis
Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Charlotte, Mich.-based Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings, and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis at www.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and service and delivery markets. The Company's brand names - Spartan™, Crimson Fire™, Crimson Fire Aerials™, and Utilimaster® - are known for quality, value, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Florida, and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $481 million in 2010 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.