REGINA — Nearly two years from now, upwards of 1,000 competitors will gather in Regina for the 2028 Can-Am Police Fire Games.
Competitors include municipal, provincial and federal first responder agencies and emergency services personnel. Both civilian staff and sworn members may apply, along with volunteer firefighters and their spouses and children aged 18 and older.
These competitors will participate in 30-plus events announced on Thursday in Regina, with events picked based on the organizers and sports found in the host city.
“So you'll see golf at all Can-Am events as well as the toughest competitor alive, the toughest firefighter alive,” said Dayle Schroeder-Hillier, project manager for the games. They [the governing body] also allow us as a host city to choose sports that are completely optional, but they encourage us to choose sports that really highlight and showcase our city.”
Those sports include disc golf and flag football.
Schroeder-Hillier also noted several games are chosen to be more inclusive.
“Perhaps there are some officers who were injured in the line of duty who want to participate.”
The full list hasn’t been finalized, as more will be added, said Schroeder-Hillier.
Closer to the games, events could be subject-to-change.
“If costs are really high, and we're not seeing the registration come through, then we will have to perhaps remove some games from our list,” said Schroeder-Hillier.
Bringing community closer
Regina Fire & Protective Services (RFPS) Chief Layne Jackson said the games will help bring Regina closer.
“It's going to draw the community together. So, coming out and watching us have some fun, compete against each other, folks coming into the city from outside that are also first responders.”
Jackson also feels people will feel less intimidated to approach non-uniformed first responders.
“When we're doing these activities, we will be just regular human beings giving our all.”’
Regina Police Service (RPS) Chief Lorilee Davies said this event can also bring local first responders closer together.
["This] creates that higher level of we're all working together for one big team and really just a great sense of community safety and an opportunity just to have some fun together.”
Both the RPS and RFPS expected dozens of their workforce to compete in the event.
Registration for the 2028 Can-Am Police Fire Games will begin in the fall of 2027. Meanwhile, venues for the event haven’t been finalized yet.
The games take place from August 13 to August 19.
More information can be found here.
