Launch of annual Emergency Service Games

Launch of annual Emergency Service Games

21/02/2023, 12:00 PM


Photo credit: VICSES (L-R: VICSES Chief Officer, Operations, Tim Wiebusch; VICSES Craigieburn Unit, Deputy Controller, Harminder Singh; Inspector David Wilkins, Victoria Police; VICSES Operations Officer, Capability, Gerry Sheridan; VICSES Operations Officer, Operational Communications, Sean Curtin)

The Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games has begun, with the launch of the event held earlier today at the Victorian State Basketball Centre, in Knox.

The games will run for a week from 27 March, with registrations still open. They will be held across several locations in metropolitan Melbourne, and throughout regional Victoria.

Established in 1981 as the Victoria Police Games Federation, the Games originally included seven different categories of sport, which has since expanded to 50. This includes cricket, cross country, rowing, rock climbing, tennis, and running.

Beginning as an event for Victoria Police, the games evolved as more agencies were included to fit the eligibility criteria and - in 2002 - the Games were renamed.

There are now 24 police and emergency service agencies in Victoria eligible to compete.

At the launch, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) was represented by VICSES Craigieburn Unit Deputy Controller, Harminder Singh, who was invited to receive the Stuart Taylor Award trophy for “Best Performance of the Games”.

The trophy was awarded to Harminder for his excellence in the field of competition, and for his enthusiasm and willingness to be involved in all aspects of the Games.

Harminder is an eight-year veteran of VICSES Craigieburn Unit, where he has qualified as a road crash rescue specialist.

Outside of VICSES, Harminder is well known for his fundraising work and has run for more than 8,000 kilometres to raise money for a variety of causes. He was recently honoured for distinguished services to the community, by the City of Hume.

Harminder represents the spirit of volunteerism, and the spirit of the Games.

The Games are an opportunity for emergency service workers to meet each other away from the frontline, to strengthen their unique bond in an environment that promotes physical and mental well-being.

The Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games are about more than competition – they are an opportunity for us to come together, prioritise our own physical and mental health, and invest in the friendships that characterise the spirit of the Games.

The Games are open to members, employees and/or volunteers of affiliated agencies. While not open to the public to compete, all are welcome to support participants, and to be part of the fun.

Find out more, and register, at www.emergencyservicesgames.org.au.

Quotes attributable to Victoria Police Games Federation president, Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent:

“Most times we interact with our emergency services partners is at a critical incident where lives are on the line.

“This event is one of the few occasions where we can come together each year and strengthen that unique bond in a positive and fun environment.

“Emergency services workers dedicate their lives to helping others in need. It’s an incredibly selfless role.

“These games give them the chance to break away from that grind, come together as a team and prioritise their own physical and mental wellbeing.

“While we work as a team each day to protect the community, I’m looking forward to seeing some fierce and friendly competition this year.”