The city will welcome hundreds of emergency service personnel athletes from across the world for the 2016 Can-Am Police-Fire games starting Sunday.
Despite its name, participants from as far away as England, India, Ukraine, Australia and elsewhere, will be arriving in Thunder Bay for the 40th Annual Can-Am Police-Fire Games. The event takes place between July 16 and 24.
Law enforcement, fire, emergency and protective services personnel will be competing in more than 30 skill-testing and physically-challenging events throughout the week.
Ceremonial No. 1 and No. 2 race bibs were presented to two of Thunder Bay’s own athletes Tuesday morning at Marina Park.
Local firefighter Jon Balabuck, who is registered to compete in 25 events, was presented the No. 1 bib.
“It’s quite an honour actually for an event this size,” Balabuck said. “It’s humbling to be chosen number one, it’s a significant deal.
Being scheduled for 25 events came as a surprise to even Balabuck, who said he’s interested in seeing how his body will handle the week.
He added that he is a triathlete by trait so he hasn’t had to change his training regime.
“I’m hoping this event gives the city some exposure. We have people coming from Europe, Asia and that doesn’t happen all the time,” Balabuck said.
“To have Thunder Bay host this event that’s a big deal for us.”
Can-Am Games manager Doug Henry said hosting an international event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community.
“We have over 525 volunteers registered,” Henry said. “A tremendous response from our community, but we still need a few more people to help out.”
Organizers are looking for more volunteers to help out with the Monster Slide and people who have an F-class driver’s license to work the shuttles that go back and forth between the host hotel and the Guns n’ Hoses lounge.
Opening ceremonies begin Sunday at the Marina Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Competitions begin Monday with archery, bench press, single and double 10-pin bowling, power lifting, and the Toughest Firefighter Alive events.
A full list of the events is available at www.thunderbaycanam.com
