Welcome to the
2010
Victoria Police and Emergency Service Games
Friday, 19 March to
Monday, 29 March 2010
PATRON'S MESSAGE
As the new Patron of the Victoria Police Games Federation, I look forward to
encouraging emergency service workers to participate in the Victoria Police and
Emergency Service Games - a fantastic sporting event that provides
opportunities for the development of fitness, sporting skills, and friendships.
I welcome Assistant Commissioner Tim Cartwright as the new President of the
Games Federation, with the knowledge that the future of the Games will be in
good hands under his leadership.
There is no doubt that being physically fit and mentally prepared can hold
people in good stead. It also provides a level of confidence to be able to help
others in need, and being involved in the Games provides an opportunity to
continue to develop that level of confidence.
Essentially the Games offer an opportunity for emergency services workers to
have a positive and meaningful break away from the more serious side of
emergency response work, and spend time with like minded people to reinvigorate
and maintain a work life balance.
The 2010 Games will offer over 40 sporting events bringing together police
officers, fire fighters, ambulance officers, life savers, safety officers,
correctional service and customs officers from across Victoria.
From my experience, the Games can engender friendly and traditional rivalry, and
a sense of connection. There are many event choices ranging from archery,
basketball, cycling and netball through to lawn bowls, swimming, tenpin bowling
and athletics to provide a most engaging and memorable time.
As well, 2010 events will be held in many country regions such as Geelong,
Ballarat, Bendigo, Phillip Island, Ocean Grove and Bairnsdale, which makes the
Games more accessible to emergency services people living in those areas than
ever before.
Individually, participants compete for personal satisfaction; achieving their
personal best, or for the thrill of winning an event. On the other hand and in
a team sense, the two trophies that reflect collective efforts are the Chief
Commissioner's Trophy and the Inter-Services Trophy. I congratulate the 2009
winners - the Ethical Standards Department and Vic Roads Transport Safety
Service respectively. I am keen to see who will take the honours in 2010.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the work of Sports
Co-ordinators who do a magnificent job promoting and conducting the events.
Retired police members, current police members and agency members all have
Sports Co-ordinator roles, which assist in making the Games known and
accessible to many sectors of the Emergency Services.
The support of Chief Executive Officers of the member agencies, who along with
the Agency Representatives promote the Games within their organisation, has
been outstanding. Your understanding of the benefit and value of having fit and
healthy workers within your organisation, and how competing in the Games can
contribute toward this, is most commendable.
Whether as an official, volunteer or as a competitor, involvement in the Games
assists to adopt habits that bring enjoyment and balance into the lives of
emergency service workers.
I encourage you to become involved, achieve your goals and have many memorable
and enjoyable experiences at the 2010 Games.
Simon Overland, APM
Chief Commissioner
Victoria Police
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