From June 26 to July 5, Fairfax County will host the 16th World Police & Fire Games. This international event—one of the largest of its kind—will attract between 15,000 to 30,000 visitors from all over the world, and will feature over 12,000 police officers, firefighters, customs, and correction officers competing in over 65 different sporting events.
For those competing this summer, the World Police & Fire Games is a tremendous honor, with over 70 countries represented. These brave men and women, who dedicate their lives to serving their communities around the world, will have the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities in arenas, fields, and stadiums across Northern Virginia.
The World Police & Fire Games will provide members of the county a chance to personally honor these public safety officers by volunteering to help out at the Games. The Games require 4,000 volunteers and a variety of different volunteer positions still need to be filled.
Volunteer opportunities include acting as Games Ambassadors by sharing information with guests regarding event times, being a part of the Registration Team by helping to register each of the participants, or joining the Field of Play and Games Administration Team to help set up and tear down the sports events. Additionally, Games Village Team members are needed to ensure that all visitors have a wonderful experience, Ceremonies Team members are needed to assist in running the celebrations, and Transportation Team members are needed to provide logistical assistance. In order to ensure the health and safety of the athletes, visitors, and the staff, medical professional volunteers are also vital. I urge you to volunteer to help make these Games a huge success. If you would like to register to volunteer, or if you are looking for more information, please visit http://fairfax2015.com/volunteer.
The Games will provide a boost to the county’s tourism industry and advance economic development throughout the region, placing Fairfax County among other prestigious host cities such as Melbourne, Stockholm, Barcelona and Belfast. In fact, several of the events will even be held right in Braddock District including locations like George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, Robinson Secondary School, and Wakefield Park. For those looking for more information, the World Police & Fire Games will be the focus of the Braddock Neighborhood News this month, which airs on Channel 16 on Sundays at 5 p.m., Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and Fridays at 5 p.m.
The World Police & Fire Games not only provide us an opportunity to recognize and support thousands of brave men and women who serve us on a daily basis, but they also offer us an avenue to show the world what those living here already know: that Fairfax County is a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. I hope you all take advantage of the spectacular events coming our way this June, and consider lending a hand as a Games volunteer.