More than 1,100 NSW Police and emergency services personnel will do battle on the sporting field to be crowned the best, at the 35th NSW Police and Emergency Services in the Illawarra.
NSW Police and emergency services personnel will compete in more than 30 different sports over seven days, from Friday 20 September 2024 to Friday 27 September 2024.
Today (Monday 23 September 2024), over 350 emergency services personnel will compete in one of the biggest fields of competition in the Men's and Women's Soccer, at Ray Robinson Oval, Towradgi.
In addition to hundreds of NSW Police staff (sworn and unsworn), employees from government agencies, including Fire and Rescue NSW, Corrective Services, NSW Ambulance, Rural Fire Service and Australian Federal Police will compete for bragging rights.
Sporting events include;
- Aquathon
- Axe throwing (new sport)
- Cycling
- Golf
- MTB Cross Country
- Open water swimming
- Soccer
- Touch football
- Brazilian Ji Jitsu (new sport)
NSW Police Council of Sport Board Member Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said the event is a great opportunity for emergency services to come together.
"The games are a great opportunity for emergency services to come together for some healthy competition, with a focus on team building and reaping the positive benefits of sport for officers' mental health and well-being. Our jobs can be tough at times so it's great to have a positive outlet, while having a laugh with colleagues and mates," Detective Supt Koutsoufis said.
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery welcomed the return of the Police and Emergency Service Games in Wollongong for the fifth time.
"Wollongong is proud to host the Police and Emergency Service Games and welcome those dedicated emergency service personnel from across the State and ACT to the city,'' Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"These individuals do tremendously difficult work and it's essential that they're able to have a break from their day-to-day and enjoy the social engagement and health benefits that comes through their chosen sporting pursuits. I hope they have a wonderful time in Wollongong. This is our city's contribution to their wellbeing by sharing our wonderful location and amenities that we often take for granted.''
Destination Wollongong Acting General Manager Jeremy Wilshire has welcomed the opportunity to host the games.
"These games provide an ideal platform to showcase the city, given the number of venues and stunning outdoor sites that are utilised across a number of days. Destination Wollongong looks forward to the city putting on a good show and welcoming our valued police force and first responders," Jeremy Wilshire said.
For a full list of sports and schedule, visit the official website www.nswpolicegames.com.au
