Huddled in a meeting room at Correll Insurance Group on Thursday afternoon, members of the Cherokee County Firefighter Games Committee were making sure everything was in order for the 2008 games, and that secrecy was maintained.

While Olympians know what events they'll be running, swimming or biking, organizers of the Firefighter Games, which are co-sponsored by the Cherokee County Fire Chiefs Association and Correll Insurance Group's Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Services, have been keeping the events a closely guarded secret so none of the competitors have an advantage.

And for good reason, said Darrell Hood Jr., a senior account executive at Correll Insurance Group, which specializes in insurance policies for volunteer fire departments

"If we gave them the rules a month ago, they (the competitors) would kill themselves trying to shave a 10th of a second off their time," he said with a knowing laugh. Hood is a former firefighter and fire instructor who has competed in the games himself.

While the ultimate goal of the Firefighter Games is to have fun, organizers know all of the firefighters competing are there to win and take trophies back to their stations.

Without giving much away, organizers said this year's event will test firefighters' skills in getting ready to work, their preparations for entering a burning structure, and in advancing hose as a team.

"Then there's the good old 'This is how they did it 200 years ago' type of event," Hood said in a minor concession that firefighters may be tested on fire bucket handling as well.

The games will be held this year in the parking lot of the Starmax Entertainment Complex at the rear of the Prime Outlets - Gaffney, a switch from past years when the events were held off West Floyd Baker Boulevard.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and organizers hope to start the competition by 9:30 a.m.

Firefighters from practically

every department in Cherokee County are expected

to compete, and some departments are likely to send multiple teams.

Spectators are not only welcome but are likely to get involved in the action as well. Chief Reggie Petty of the Cherokee Creek Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Fire Chiefs Association, said there will be games for kids and demonstrations between the events.

The games should last until about 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.

One of the nice things about the games, Petty said, is that all proceeds from the games go to charity.

Years ago, Hood said, the Fire Chiefs Association and competitors decided that the proceeds should go to the American Cancer Society and the event has raised at least $500 each year. "We asked how many people had cancer touch their lives and everyone raised a hand," Hood said about the firefighter's selection of the American Cancer Society as the beneficiary.

Starmax will be offering food and beverages during the games and also will make its facilities available.

What: 2008 Firefighter Games

Who: A competition among firefighters from across Cherokee County

Why: It's a chance for firefighters to demonstrate and test their skills in a non lifethreatening and fun setting.

Where: Starmax Entertainment Complex near the Prime Outlets — Gaffney.

When: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and the games kick off at 9:30 a.m.

How much: It's free to watch and there will be demonstrations and chances for children to compete, too.