29-07-2025
Firefighter cadets battle it out in national challenge
The National Fire Cadet Games 2025, the first to be held in Wales, took place over a weekend at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Hosted by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), the event saw cadets aged 13 to 18 compete in challenges that tested their firefighting knowledge, physical ability, and teamwork.
Fin Monahan, chief fire officer at SWFRS, said: "They're a celebration of the dedication, leadership, and passion these young people bring to their communities.
"Every cadet here represents the future of our service – and that future looks incredibly bright."
Events included water rescues, trauma response scenarios, home fire safety exercises, and a VR search and rescue simulation.
The games also aimed to foster camaraderie among cadets from across the country.
17-year-old Cumbrian cadet Olivia Paice said: "I've been a fire cadet for about five years now and I love it.
"We've all had a great weekend – we've met so many amazing people.
"I've really enjoyed the different challenges, but particularly the trauma segment.
"It's very realistic, and you must adapt to the quickly changing scenario."
The winners of the 2025 National Cadet Games were Bedfordshire Team 2, with Abergavenny cadets taking second place.
Councillor Kate Thomas, mayor of Newport, said: "It's tremendously inspiring to see so much interest in the fire service from so many young people.
"It's also been an incredible feat of organisation and co-ordination that is extremely impressive."
Amy Jenkins, national fire cadet games co-ordinator, said: "The success of the National Games reflects the teams' commitment to delivering this important event, alongside the fire cadets from across the UK whose presence and passion made this weekend's Fire Cadets National Games a great success."
