AN archer who fights fires by day is setting his sights on international glory.
Hotshot Ian Finlay has realised his dream of being able to compete at the 2010 World Firefighter Games in South Korea – but his ambitions do not end there.
After securing the funding needed to represent Great Britain at next month’s event in Daegu, the 43-year-old from Little Sutton is determined to replicate or better the bronze medal he won at the 2008 Games in Liverpool.
Ian said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic and I can’t wait to get out there now.
“Archery is the national sport over there so it’s going to be tough, but whatever happens it will be an amazing experience.
“The aim is always to win, so that’s what I’ll be trying to do, although it will be harder than what it was in Liverpool as I don’t know the standard I will be up against. But I know my standard and I will give it my best shot.”
Ian, a father of two who works at Deeside Fire Station in Flintshire, had to work hard to get his finances in place before booking his ticket to the Games.
Although he has had to dip into his own pocket, the former Ellesmere Port Catholic High School pupil would not have made it to Asia had it not been for the help of the Ellesmere Port community.
“I’ve had a lot of help and I’m really grateful for that,” said Ian, a governor at Meadows Primary School and Whitby High.
“My MP, Andrew Miller, secured funding from Urenco in Capenhurst, I’ve had help from the Ellesmere Port and Neston Lions Club, while Ellesmere Port and Neston Mayor Gareth Anderson has also been a big help.”
Ian, the reigning Cheshire indoor champion and member of the Cheshire County Bowmen in Upton, Chester, will head to South Korea on August 23.
More than 6,000 firefighters from 40 countries are expected to compete across 75 events at the 11th edition of the Firefighter Games.
