Competition Format

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This is a team-based strength competition where departments earn points across multiple events.

Final standings are determined by cumulative team performance.

 

Each event is designed to reflect real-world strength, endurance, and teamwork under pressure.

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Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Location: Georgia International Convention Center
Address: 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337

• 15 minutes from Downtown Atlanta
• 5 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

 

Scoring & Awards

• Teams earn points based on placement in each event
• Overall standings determined by total team points

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Awards Include:
🏆 1st Place Team – Championship Title + Trophy
🥈 2nd Place Team – Awards
🥉 3rd Place Team – Awards

 

 

 

Lee Haney Games First Responders Challenge

Official Rules & Event Guide

Downloadable Version

Event Date: July 18, 2026
Location: Georgia International Convention Center – College Park, GA
Team Size: 4–6 Members Per Team
Eligible Participants: Firefighters, Police Officers, Sheriff's Deputies, EMS Personnel, Corrections Officers, Dispatchers, Military Personnel, and other recognized First Responder Agencies.

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The First Responders Challenge is designed to test teamwork, strength, endurance, grit, and communication under pressure. Teams will compete across four events, earning points based on finishing position in each challenge. The team with the highest overall point total at the conclusion of all events will be crowned the 2026 Lee Haney Games First Responders Challenge Champions.

 

Team Requirements

• Teams may consist of 4 to 6 members

• All team members must be active or retired members of an eligible first responder agency

• All participants must sign a waiver before competing

• Teams must compete with the same roster throughout the competition

• Team uniforms or agency shirts are encouraged

 

 

Scoring System

Each event awards points based on placing.

PlacePoints

1st - 10

2nd - 8

3rd- 6

4th - 5

5th - 4

6th - 3

7th - 2

8th - 1

 

Overall Champion

The team with the highest total points after all four events wins.

Tie Breaker

If teams are tied after all events, the highest placement in the Truck Push event will determine the winner.

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Event #1: Truck Push

Objective

Test total team power, conditioning, and determination by pushing a weighted vehicle (Ford-150) over a designated distance as quickly as possible.

Team Members​

• Maximum: 4

Format

• Teams line up behind the vehicle.

• Each team has 2 tries at their best time.

• At the start signal, the team pushes the vehicle from the start line to the finish line.

• Vehicle must remain moving forward at all times.

• Team members may reposition as needed during the push.

Distance

50 Feet

Scoring

Fastest completion time wins.

Rules

• No pulling ropes or straps.

• Hands must remain on the vehicle.

• Team members may not ride on the vehicle.

• Time stops when the front bumper crosses the finish line.

Measures

Speed + Team Power

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Event #2: Tire Flip Relay

Objective

A fast-paced relay testing strength, speed, coordination, and teamwork.

Team Members

• Minimum: 4

• Maximum: 6

Format

• Teams move a large tractor tire down a designated lane.

• Each participant must complete 3 tire flips before rotating to the next teammate.

• Once a member completes their 3 flips, the next teammate immediately continues.

Distance

Approximately 60 Feet

Scoring

Fastest total time wins.

Rules

• Tire must fully rotate before the next flip begins.

• Skipping a rotation will result in a time penalty.

• Team members may not assist another teammate's flip.

Measures

Speed + Explosive Strength

 

 

Event #3: Chin-Up Relay

Objective

Determine which team possesses the greatest upper-body endurance and mental toughness.

Team Members

• Exactly 4 competitors participate.

Format

• One athlete begins performing chin-ups.

• Athlete may stop only when unable to continue.

• Once they dismount, their turn is complete.

• The next teammate then begins.

• Each athlete receives one attempt only.

Chin-Up Standard

• Full extension at the bottom.

• Chin clearly above the bar at the top.

• No excessive kipping or swinging.

Scoring

All valid repetitions from all four competitors are added together.

Winner

Team with the highest combined repetition total.

Measures

Upper Body Endurance + Mental Toughness

 

Event #4: Bench Press for Repetitions

Objective

Determine which team can accumulate the greatest number of controlled repetitions.

Team Members

• Exactly 4 competitors participate.

Weight Used

Each participant will bench press:

50% of their body weight
(Rounded to the nearest 5 pounds)

Format

• Athletes lift individually.

• One continuous set only.

• Team total equals all valid repetitions combined.

Bench Press Standards

• Bar must touch the chest.

• Arms must fully lock out at the top.

• Hips and shoulders must remain in contact with the bench.

• Bouncing the bar is prohibited.

 

Scoring

All valid repetitions are combined for a team total.

 

Winner

Team with the highest accumulated repetition count.

 

Measures

Strength Endurance + Team Depth

 

 

Competition Strategy

Success in the First Responders Challenge isn't about having the strongest individual—it's about having the strongest team.

Teams must balance:

• Strength

• Endurance

• Speed

• Communication

• Strategy

• Mental Toughness

Every point matters. A strong finish in every event is often more valuable than winning one event and placing poorly in others.

 

Awards

🏆 1st Place Team – First Responders Challenge Champions -  $1k in Cash and Prizes

🥈 2nd Place Team - $500 in Cash and Prizes

🥉 3rd Place Team - $250 in Cash and Prizes

 

Additional recognition may be awarded for:

• Fastest Truck Push

• Fastest Tire Flip Relay

• Most Chin-Ups

• Most Bench Press Repetitions

 

Strength in Service. Power in Unity.

Gather your department, build your team, and represent your agency at the 2026 Lee Haney Games First Responders Challenge—where Georgia's strongest first responders compete for bragging rights, championship honors, and community pride while supporting the mission of Haney's Harvest House.