Competitors are 'off their marks' quickly for the 2013 World Police and Fire Games as applications have already exceeded the 1,000 milestone with athletes signing up from 33 countries from around the world.

John Tully, chief executive of the 2013 WPFG, is delighted with the speed of signup and said: "Based on research from Games held in previous years we have identified a target of 10,000 participants for 2013. 

"We were greatly encouraged that on the day registration opened we more than doubled the numbers reached on the first day of registration for the 2011 New York Games.  Interest remains very high, with significant numbers of competitors registering from USA, Canada and Australia and we are confident we will reach this target for the games next August."

The World Police and Fire Games will take place in Northern Ireland from 1st - 10th August 2013 with 57 sports taking place across 42 venues in Belfast and beyond. As the third largest multi-sport events in the world, it is commonly referred to as the 'Emergency Services Olympics'.

One Belfast hotel has already put up their 'FULL House' sign as Ten Square Hotel will be full next August with guests from USA, Australia and Italy.

General manager Kevin Smyth said, "We are very excited to be welcoming WPFG visitors to Belfast and to Ten Square in summer 2013. Our full bedroom allocation sold out within 24 hours of going 'live'. Belfast really will be buzzing in August 2013."

Posted 21/11/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com