An event five years in the making finally opened in downtown Windsor Tuesday evening.
The 2022 CanAm Police Fire Games kicked off with a public opening ceremony at the Riverfront Festival Plaza, attended by hundreds of people, as well as dignitaries from government and business, and first responders representing a variety of disciplines.
Joining the festivities on the Detroit River were the Marine Unit from Windsor police, the United States Coast Guard, the Detroit Fire Department fireboat, and others. Attendees were treated to a demonstration of police action by officers holding mock criminals at bay with PSD (Police Service Dog) officers, and officers in camouflage scaling the plaza stage with ropes.
CanAm Police Fire Games CEO Bill Merrylees, a retired superintendent with London police, said visitors are in for an entertaining and eye-opening week.
"I can tell you that these sporting events are not like any other," said Merrylees. "To be able to compete and spend social time with other first responders from across Canada and the U.S.A. is very special."
Through the six days of the Games, police officers, border agents, firefighters, paramedics, marine officers, and others will participate in traditional Olympic events like ice hockey, swimming, biathlon, golf, and soccer. There will also be unconventional events like K-9 detection, skeet and pistol precision shooting, and the FireFit, a relay of firefighting tactics.
Mayor Drew Dilkens officially declared the Games open, touting the potential for the event to provide Windsor-Essex with a much-needed boost of tourism dollars as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We certainly recognize that these types of events draw visitors to our community for extended stays," said Dilkens. "The benefits, of course, are very obvious in the tourism and hospitality industry, and for local businesses, but we also recognize that the Games give us the opportunity to showcase both healthy and active living."
A fireworks display over the Detroit River was scheduled for later Tuesday night.
The Games run through Sunday. For a complete schedule of events, most of which are open to the public, visit the Games' official website.
