Sport will unite Victoria’s first responders as they put their skills and athleticism to the ultimate test.
Almost 3000 participants from 28 agencies will swap their radios and hi-vis gear for goggles and rackets for this year’s Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games.
The event kicks off on 27 March and will run for a week across metropolitan and regional locations.
The annual event provides emergency services workers and volunteers the chance to come together outside of work and engage in some friendly sporting competition.
It’s also an ideal outlet to promote mental health and physical wellbeing which is especially important for emergency servicers workers.
There will be a game, match or race for everybody with almost 50 different sports on offer.
Sports on offer include cricket, cross country, rowing, rock climbing, tennis and running.
Sailing has been added for the first time and AFL 9s is returning after several years on the sidelines.
The stakes are particularly high this year with reigning champions Corrections Victoria competing for its fourth consecutive trophy.
Victoria Police and its emergency services partners are today joining together to officially launch the games.
Emergency services workers and volunteers wanting to find out further information or register can visit www.emergencyservicesgames.org.auExternal Link.
Quotes attributable to Victoria Police Games Federation president, Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent:
“Most times we interact with our emergency services partners is at a critical incident where lives are on the line.
“This event is one of the few occasions where we can come together each year and strengthen that unique bond in a positive and fun environment.
“Emergency services workers dedicate their lives to helping others in need. It’s an incredibly selfless role.
“These games give them the chance to break away from that grind, come together as a team and prioritise their own physical and mental wellbeing.
“While we work as a team each day to protect the community, I’m looking forward to seeing some fierce and friendly competition this year.”
