By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Lethbridge hoping to host Police-Fire games in 2022

Mar 21, 2017 | 11:42 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Sport Council is trying to sell the benefits of the city, in an effort to host the 2022 Can-Am Police-Fire Games.
 
The event, previously known as the Northwest Police-Fire Games, started out in 1977 as a competition between Washington, Oregon and western Canada. It takes place every two years, with the next games set for 2018 in The Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
 
There are 22 compulsory events and ten other optional sports, over the seven day long competition. Participants come from agencies across North America.
 
The purpose is to promote physical fitness and camaraderie between law enforcement, fire, emergency and protective services.
 
At last year’s games, the Lethbridge Police Service came home with three medals. Constable Realini took gold in the police action pistol event, and another silver for police pistol combat duty. Constables Freda and Brunning also won gold in the toughest competitor alive event, for their respective age and weight classes.
 
On March 13, City Council granted the Sport Council $20,000 from the major community event hosting grant — as well as a letter of support — to prepare a bid presentation for the Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation.
 
An additional $180,000 was also approved, if the submission is successful, in order to host the event
 
Susan Eymann, Lethbridge Sport Council executive director, isn’t sure how many other communities are bidding, but is certainly aware that it will be a tough competition. However, she believes Lethbridge could have a fighting chance.
 
“We are in a great location being close to the US border… It’s 320 days of sunshine, is one thing! We have all the venues, and it’s been amazing to think that volunteer sport organizations are committing to venues and club support five years out.
 
“There’s just an enthusiasm from everyone that will be involved in it,” she continued. “I think that will spread like wildfire throughout the community to get the spectators out.”
 
The city’s formal bid will be submitted by early April. If shortlisted by the federation, a site visit would happen some time before September, with a final bid presentation in November.
 
Eymann estimates that it could attract upwards of 1,400 out-of-town participants and spectators, and generate more than $2.5-million in economic activity for the city. The games are expected to take place in mid-July 2022, with all events free for the public to watch.