THUNDER BAY - The city officially welcomed Sunday hundreds of emergency service personnel athletes from across the world for the 2016 Can-Am Police-Fire games.
Emergency personnel from seven different countries joined dozens of families Sunday afternoon for the opening ceremonies to kick off the 2016 games at Thunder Bay’s waterfront.
Can-Am Games manager Doug Henry said these types of events allow for healthy competition, which brings people together in a less stressful situation.
“This is a chance for people working in first responder occupations or high stress occupations to get together, enjoy each other’s company and have some friendly competition.”
Sunday’s opening ceremonies began with a special 30-minute performance by the OPP Golden Helmets Precision Motorcycle Riding Team on Water Street, with 14 officers taking their bikes through a series of complex patterns.
The team was formed in 1963 and routinely performs at fairs, festivals and parades.
An array of interactive emergency service displays were showcased around the festival area, giving children an opportunity to learn and meet those in uniform participating in this year’s games.
The afternoon also included Aboriginal dance and drumming, the arrival of Law Enforcement Torch Run and two musical performances from the Poor Young Things.
“There’s lots of activities for families to come and see, it’s going to be a great afternoon,” Henry said.
Competitions begins Monday with the archery, bench press, single/double 10-pin bowling, chili cook off, golf, power lifting, 5K run, and Toughest Firefighter Alive events.
All of the events are open to the public to watch and free of admission.
For more information, along with an events schedule, visit online here.
