Can-Am Police-Fire Games coming to Thunder Bay in 2016
Organizers say the first responders' event will bring $5.7M in economic benefits to Thunder Bay
Organizers are touting it as the biggest multi-sport competition to be held in Thunder Bay since the 1981 Canada Summer Games.
The city has been chosen as the site of the 2016 Can-Am Police-Fire Games. The nine-day event is expected to attract over 1,200 participants – police officers, firefighters, and paramedics – from across Canada, the United States and around the world.
The games feature over 40 events, with some being Olympic-style sports, and others more geared towards the first responders' professions, said Bill Merrylees, the President and CEO of the Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation.
"It's a multi-sport event .... usually at over 20-plus venues and it's been occurring now for 40 years," he said. "It has a strong tradition of camaraderie among emergency services."
Competitors will take part in a variety of events, ranging from team sports like hockey and basketball, to training-based exercises like SWAT tactics and shooting, to more leisurely activities like bocce ball and a chili cook-off.
The competition is also open to spouses of the first responders, as well as emergency services civilian staff.
Thunder Bay was chosen to host the 2016 games because of a strong tradition of volunteerism, and a history of hosting athletics, Merrylees said.
"We are really excited for the competitors to come here to Thunder Bay," he said. "It's a beautiful area, the volunteers are tremendous and this community has really good experience at running big sporting events."
Organizers estimate the competition will generate $5.7 million in economic benefits for the city.
Tbaytel was named as the event's presenting sponsor on Monday. The non-profit event will also support the Thunder Bay Boys & Girls Club and Thunder Bay Special Olympics.