ACE Funding N.Y. Firefighters' Trip

NU Online News Service, Aug 23, 4:29 p.m. EST? The ACE Group of Companies said it is providing the funds so 20 New York City firefighters travel to New Zealand and compete in the World Firefighters Games.

Vinny Plover of Ladder Company 85, one of the firefighters headed for New Zealand, said the group is thrilled to have the opportunity to compete because this year's "Memorial Games" will honor those who lost their lives in the course of duty ? "particularly our 343 brothers who gave their lives last September."

The participating firefighters will also be guests of Team Dennis Conner/Stars & Stripes, the New York Yacht Club's entry in the 2003 America's Cup competition, during Round Two of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series. ACE is a Gold-Level sponsor of Team Dennis Conner.

Representatives of New York City based-ACE, Mr. Conner and the New York firefighters delegation will gather tomorrow in Newport, R.I. for a send-off ceremony for Mr. Conner and several crew members who will be departing Sunday for the first round of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series, which begins Oct. 1 in New Zealand.

Mr. Plover said the firefighters while in New Zealand are looking forward to cheering for Mr. Connor and his crew in Auckland as they take part in the challenger series.

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

The America's Cup is a best-of-nine match. The right to challenge the current trophy holder, Team New Zealand, is determined through a four-month elimination process known as the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series.

Special Reports /

ACE Funding N.Y. Firefighters' Trip

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