WPFG 2023 dates

Chief Danny Smyth

Earlier this summer, I wrote about the World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) coming to Winnipeg from July 28 to August 6, 2023. At the time, Michelle Wagner provided an excellent background to the upcoming games through her eyes.

In this week’s article, I introduce Inspector Eric Luke, who travelled to this year’s games in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to observe firsthand the operations of the games before they come to Winnipeg.

Eric Luke, Inspector
2023 WPFG Board of Directors

As a Winnipeg WPFG board member, I had the opportunity to observe this year’s WPFG in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Rotterdam is a large beautiful city that was an outstanding backdrop to showcase the talent and skill of many competitors in the games. The theme of the games was “in Sport, we Unite”. I was able to experience that unity many times over my time in Rotterdam.

As Chief Smyth noted, Winnipeg will host this incredible sporting event celebrating the athleticism, camaraderie, and professionalism of police officers, firefighters, and border patrol officers from more than 50 countries competing in more than 60 events in 2023. 

In 2005 I had the opportunity to participate in the WPFG in Montreal. I competed in the K9 competition – a job-specific “sport.” Although it was many years ago, it was a lifetime highlight of my career. It was an opportunity to share training techniques, meet people from different cultures and countries and share in the pride of what it means to be a first responder serving our community. The love from the community was heartwarming and reaffirmed one of the reasons I chose this particular career path.

A celebration of dedication to public service, the size and scope of the WPFG continue to grow. Attendance in the Games increased, as has the number of nations involved throughout its history. Next year Winnipeg is expected to see between 8500 and 10,000 athletes, with another 10,000 to 15,000 family members of those athletes visiting our city!   

In an often-divided world, sport is a unique and connecting glue that brings and holds people together both across and within societies. The world is seemingly a fractured place at the moment, politics and world conflict continue to scar the tissue of society, and social media often is used to drive wedges between individuals and societies.

Throughout history, sports have been used as a means to unite people of different religions and cultures and creeds. From the 1971 Chinese invitation for the USA to play table tennis in China during intense political tensions to Nelson Mandela using the 1995 World Cup of Rugby as a stage to bring his country together after his election as President of South Africa. In 2000 Mandela stated, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where there was only despair.” 

The WPFG may be precisely what Canada, North America and the World need to see right now during these trying times. The gestures of goodwill displayed at the games humanize the women and men who have taken an oath to protect members of society; it brings the public and members of the front line together. It is an opportunity to celebrate what is good in society and good in individuals through sport. Sport tends to eliminate social differences. Sport can abolish the differences individual countries, provinces, cities and individuals have. All that is needed is an open mind to sit, watch and enjoy the competition enjoy the conversations and get to know the officers and firefighters on an individual and personal level.

One of the most heartwarming displays of unity came when the team from Ukraine walked into the stadium. Without exception, the entire stadium, filled with athletes, family, the public and public officials, rose to their feet and offered a standing ovation in a display of solidarity. Taking a moment to reflect, I looked at the individual faces of the people around me. Emotions ranged from fiery solidarity to tears of sympathy and pride from the members of the audience and the members of the Ukraine team. It was a moment that united everyone in attendance with the athletes from Ukraine.

The opening Ceremonies were held at Stadion Feyenoord, where over 5500 Athletes paraded into the stadium under a backdrop of lights, fireworks and music. The electricity and excitement in the air were palpable. 

Singing, dancing and a shared feeling of celebration were shared among the athletes, and the public of the challenging yet rewarding careers of public service was displayed in the whole pageantry. 

During my time in Rotterdam observing the games and meeting with organizers from different countries, I was able to see great examples of fierce competition, comradery among nations and kind, caring displays of sportsmanship.  I made it a priority to meet the athletes and talk to the spectators to see what they loved about the games. In doing so, I was able to meet a couple from the UK – Paul and Liz Jenkins.

Paul is a 77-year-old retired corrections officer and has competed in the WPFG for over 30 years. Although a fierce competitor (Paul achieved four Gold medals in Rotterdam!) Paul and his wife Liz are wonderfully kind people that take the WPFG as an opportunity to travel, see the world and meet both members of front-line service, the people and citizens from various communities and experience wonderful cultural experiences around the world. This is what the Games mean. It is bringing people from different cultures around the world together. It is about building friendships and learning from other people. It's the perfect example of what is good in the world using Sport as a backdrop.  

So, after meeting Paul and Liz, it became apparent that age is not an excuse to participate. I will be dusting off the running shoes and competing against and alongside athletes from across the world in Winnipeg in 2023. I, along with all the other athletes competing, hope to see you there, shake your hand and share in the experiences together.

To learn more, visit us online at the 2023 World Police & Fire Games !