World Police and Fire Games: the best and the bravest come to AdelaideBy senior correspondent Jennifer Martens
Since successfully hosting the 2000 Olympics, Australia has been the site of some of the world’s greatest sporting competitions including the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the 2007 Ashes Tour. In March 2007, Adelaide will host the 2007 World Police and Fire Games. With more than 10,000 athletes expected, it is sure to lift the lid on Adelaide, which is often thought of as one of Australia’s ‘best kept secrets’. The Games, run by the WPFG Federation based in San Diego, California, will be held March 16 to 25 and will feature competitors from more than 60 countries competing in 79 different sports - 10 of which are shooting related. There will be about 1800 volunteers, 1000 officials and thousands of spectators. It is expected that this event will generate $30 million for South Australia. The first WPFG was held in California in 1985. Since then, they have continued to attract competitors from all over the world and the list of cities vying to host the Games is increasing. Karina Loxton, the Games’ marketing and PR executive, said “The bulk of the events are held in North America or Europe. This is only the second time Australia has hosted the Games. The first time was in Melbourne in 1995.” Shooting disciplines
Some of the more unusual events that spectators can enjoy include Ultimate Firefighter, Toughest Competitor Alive, Dragon Boat Racing, Muster, Stair Race and Tug-of-War. Because the WPFG is run by a US-based organisation, some of the shooting events allow for firearms that are now illegal in Australia - such as pistols larger than .38-calibre and self-loading shotguns. Matthew Miles, WPFG sports manager, says this has created only minor hiccups in the Games preparation. “We have gotten an exemption from the Federal Government for self-loading shotguns and are still working on getting the necessary exemptions for pistols,” he said. Australian gun laws are much more restrictive that those found in the United States and many other countries. Even so, it is not the first time Games organisers have had to deal with such issues. Similar problems were encountered at the 2005 WPFG in Quebec City, Canada, where firearm laws are comparable to those in Australia. If the exemptions do not come in time or if they are rejected all together, Mr Miles said that events will not be cancelled; competitors will simply have to compete with an alternate firearm - which is a big disadvantage. This is why the SSAA petitioned the government to allow for sporting exemptions when it established the pistol restrictions. Travelling with firearms WPFG staff also liase with the South Australian Police to secure the necessary South Australian International Visitors’ Permit and South Australian Firearms Import Permit. With the correct permits and visas in hand, competitors are ready to proceed through Customs. Detailed instructions on travelling into Australia with a firearm have been included in the official registration book. In this book, competitors are reminded that Australia “has very strict State and Federal controls on the carriage, handling, storage and use of firearms” and that they are not permitted to carry concealed firearms at any time. Between events, competitors will be allowed to store their firearms at armouries located at the various venues or at a gunshop located in the city. Before or after events, arrangements have been made for storage - at the competitor’s expense - with approved providers. Additional information on long-term storage of firearms will be listed on the Games website under ‘Services’. Security
As with any mass-participation events, security is an issue. Ms Loxton said that while they are not expecting any problems, they will be looking at all the possibilities and putting proper measures into place. Generally, this will mean volunteers securing certain areas, checking competitors’ personal items, storing gear and verifying credentials. Security at the shooting venues will be similar; however, range officers will ensure all range and firearm safety rules, including proper storage, will be followed. Basically, competitors are in charge of their own gear and will be responsible for following the South Australian laws. The only area that will have increased security will be the Games Village, which features a social/entertainment area set-up on the banks of the Torrens River featuring music and a beer garden. Eligibility and costs A registration fee of $US85 applies to all participants, as does a sports fee, which can vary from $US12 (majority of sports) to $US28. All other costs are the responsibility of the competitor. “There might be a few elite athletes, but most of the competitors are here to just enjoy the Games,” said Ms Loxton. Spectators can expect to see a few professional cyclists from Europe, a few former National Hockey League players, as well as a few Olympians - all of whom meet the Games criteria. As far as shooting goes, spectators can expect to see a number of elite shooter from all over the world. Social program Spectator information If you are unable to make it to Adelaide, news coverage of the events will be provided by Channel 7, The Advertiser and Mix 102.3 in South Australia. Take part in the Games At this stage of the preparation, Mr Miles said, “The biggest task is getting officials and volunteers.” Anyone interested in volunteering, should register via the web site or call 08 8375 9734. Those volunteering will receive a uniform, goody bag and other benefits. While the shooting sports are a large component of these Games, they are certainly just the tip of the iceberg. The WPFG provide the honourable and talented men and women that serve as firefighters or law enforcement officers the opportunity to showcase their skills, meet new people and have fun - away from the dangers that accompany their daily professional lives. Let the Games begin! |
