As the new President of the Games Federation, it is indeed a pleasure to be part of an organisation geared to providing opportunities to assist with the fitness and wellbeing of emergency services people.

I note that the position of patron for the Games Federation has been accepted by the Chief Commissioner Simon Overland, and wish to endorse the fact that there would be no greater supporter of the wellbeing of emergency services people than Simon.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the former President and Assistant Commissioner Bob Hastings. Bob's endeavours certainly assisted to raise the profile of the Games, thereby contributing to the increase in the numbers of participants, and the number of participating emergency service agencies. I would suggest that Corrections Victoria could be a serious contender for the prestigious Inter - Services Trophy, now that Bob is their Chief Executive.

I recognise that entry to the 2009 Games proved to be a challenge for quite a few emergency service workers who had to contend with the states most devastating bush fires on record. Nevertheless participation numbers were very good, which may also indicate that the Games offered some reprieve from this difficult and trying time.

If you are considering whether participation in the Games is for you, I encourage you to go to the website: www.emergencyservciesgames.org.au to gain a greater understanding of the nature of the 40 different sports on offer. Some sports are more social and recreational whilst others engender higher levels of competition - there is something for everybody. If you would like further inspiration, just have a look at the photographs - they capture the spirit and emotion of most events.

Online entry in conjunction with credit card payment has now become well accepted and more user friendly. The new 'Entry Categories and Procedures' page that accompanies the entry forms, provides 'step by step' guidance to simplify the whole registration and entry process.

Welcome to the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (Victorian Branch) who have been invited to participate in the 2010 Games - there is every chance that they will become full members of the Games Federation in the following year after experiencing the fun and camaraderie of the Games.

Thankyou to the Chief Executive Officers and Agency Representatives for the value you have placed on the benefits derived from participating in the Games. Your promotion and financial support of the Games has been outstanding. I look forward to meeting you in the near future to discuss how the benefits of the Games may be further promoted within your organisation.

To Sports Co-ordinators, officials and volunteers I fully support your endeavours and enthusiasm to make the Games a safe and successful event. I appreciate the time and effort you make for others and applaud this.

The Games provide a wonderful opportunity for participants to spend time in a positive way, and to achieve fitness, social and competitive goals.

I further contend that preparation for, and participation in the 2010 Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games, whether as an organiser, official, volunteer or a competitor, has the potential to maintain and create balance in one's work and personal life. The Games are an opportunity too good to miss - I'll see you at the Games. 

Tim Cartwright, APM
Assistant Commissioner
President - Victoria Police Games Federation