2023 World Police & Fire Games - From Fan, to Competitor, to Ambassador
Chief Danny Smyth
We are one year out from hosting the 2023 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) in Winnipeg from July 28 to August 6, 2023. This will be the largest sporting event, by participation, ever hosted in the Province of Manitoba.
Winnipeg’s journey to host the WPFG goes back to 2009 we were short-listed as one of the possible cities. Fairfax, Virginia, was eventually chosen as the host city. In 2015 we bid again and were successful over three other cities including San Diego, Brisbane, Australia and Adelaide, Australia, for the 2023 games.
Winnipeg was selected as the host city for 2023 based on a wide range of criteria including:
• Strong support from the local police and fire departments
• Calibre of sport facilities
• Quality of amenities and services
• Attractive tourism offerings for athletes and their families
• Organizational capabilities for hosting major international events
• Financial support
Staff Sergeant Michelle Wagner, our Volunteer Services Manager for the WPFG has provided a wonderful write-up for the games and her own involvement to set the tone for tomorrow’s kick-off at True North Square. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Michelle Wagner, Staff Sergeant
Volunteer Services Manager, World Police & Fire Games
#FrontLineToFinishLine
There are many great reasons to visit New York city - the food, culture, Empire State Building, Broadway shows and the electric energy of the city that never sleeps. However, in August 2011, I was there to take in all that, but above all, to support three of my close friends, Winnipeg Police Service colleagues, as they competed in the World Police & Fire Games.
My name is Michelle Wagner. I am a Staff Sergeant for the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), and I have proudly served for more than 28 years. Truthfully, up until that moment, I did not know anything about the Games. I did know that Natalie Aitken, Marnie Minkus, and Anne Boyko were legendary basketball players during their university careers. Some of you may remember Natalie and Marnie as part of the University of Winnipeg women’s basketball team that went on a remarkable run, winning three consecutive national titles while going on an unprecedented 88-game winning streak from 1992 to 1995. Anne also had a fantastic career playing for the University of Manitoba Bisons, a hometown rival to the University of Winnipeg Wesmen team.
The ability to go to New York and support them was an opportunity I did not want to miss.
Even though New York is one of the largest cities in the world, you could feel the energy and excitement radiating from every corner of the city for the Games. Everywhere you looked, you could see the bright yellow Games badges worn with great pride by the athletes, organizers, and supporters.
This particular trip will always stand out in my memory for the experience of the spectacular display of the World Police & Fire Games, an Olympic-style competition held every two years. As we were joined by more than 16,000 athletes representing 59 countries, I remember the buzz in the stadium as the competitors were welcomed in. I met athletes from around the world, who little did I know at the time, would become lifelong friends. I remember the electric atmosphere in Athletes Village, the Games’ presence seemingly everywhere we went - and above all, I remember the sense of camaraderie and community amongst these athletes that shared a love of sport, and a commitment to stronger and safer communities.
The first World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) were held in 1985 in San Jose, California. Since the inaugural event, the number of athletes competing has grown and doubled in size. Over the last 35 years, many of our Winnipeg Police Service members have participated, thrived, and won medals in various sports such as tug of war, volleyball, and hockey. Inspector Luke, who is a member of the 2023 WPFG Board of Directors, participated in the 2005 World Police & Fire Games in Montreal as a dog handler and won gold in the Police Service Dog competition.
That is why, when it was announced that our city - Winnipeg - would join the likes of New York, Melbourne, Vancouver, Barcelona, Belfast, and Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Games. I want to bring that excitement, that prestige, that electric atmosphere to Winnipeg. So, when I had the opportunity to be involved in the Games as the Volunteer Services Manager, I jumped at the chance.
The 2023 World Police & Fire Games will be held from July 28 to August 6, 2023. With more than 60 sports across 40 venues, it will be the largest sporting event, by participation, ever hosted in the Province of Manitoba. The event celebrates the dedication, passion, and service of the law enforcement officers and firefighters who protect our community. The Games will be an exciting community-wide sport and cultural event that will highlight the human beings behind the uniforms.
Next summer, we expect more than 8,500 athletes representing police officers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs from more than 50 countries across the world to descend on our beautiful city. Along with the athletes’ guests and supporters, we expect more than 15,000 visitors to arrive for the Games.
With so many people coming to Winnipeg, the 2023 World Police & Fire Games will need more than 3,500 volunteers to help make the Games a resounding success. Volunteers are integral to creating a fun and exciting atmosphere for the athletes, the Games, and the City of Winnipeg.
As a member of the police service, I have always prided myself on fitness and staying active. One way to do that is to train and compete in the Games. This year, the World Police & Fire Games will take place in Rotterdam, Netherlands. I am excited to be competing alongside my law enforcement and fire service members, as I participate in the bench press competition.
It should be no surprise that there is a direct connection between careers in law enforcement or firefighting, and athletic pursuits. As you walk into the gym at our headquarters, you are greeted with the mantra: “Fit for Duty. Fit for Life”.
Our service has attracted several elite athletes that have played in professional sports leagues. For example, Shawn Gallant was a defensive back with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL, and likewise, Frazer McLaren played six seasons in the NHL, both achieving tremendous success. They were exceptional athletes and joined our service after they finished their playing careers. Their teamwork, communication and leadership skills are necessary qualities when working with the Winnipeg Police Service.
In these times, as much as the Games are about competition, they are more importantly about fellowship and connections. In the emergency services profession, we all face the same challenges that affect our mental wellbeing and we all seek the same opportunities to make our communities safer, and stronger.
Winnipeg is my home. It is where I have chosen to raise my two sons, Jordan and Eric. I am proud to be a part of the community of Winnipeg and the WPS, and to the athletes competing in 2023, I cannot wait to cheer on all of you showcasing your athleticism and our profession!
I am very excited that we will be hosting the games! We hope you will join us in welcoming the athletes and spectators from around the world to our beloved city. I look forward to seeing what these Games will bring for the future of Winnipeg, and our citizens. Please come join us, whether it is supporting our athletes in the stands or volunteering at one of our 43 venues, let’s make this event an incredible success.
Winnipeg, be part of history in the making.