Thousands of first responders are expected to be in Winnipeg next year for an Olympic-style event, the 2023 World Police and Fire Games.
Now the police officers and firefighters attending will have more competition. The games organization announced Thursday more athletes will be invited to take part, including volunteer firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and lifeguards.
Games COO Mike Edwards says this is being done to be more inclusive and diverse.
“We as the hosts here in Winnipeg are going to get the benefit of having those participants in the games for the first time ever and we couldn’t be happier,” said Edwards.
Paramedics are also now on the participants’ list.
On the same day the games made this official publicly, one of its high-profile board members who pushed to get the competition for Winnipeg stepped down. Alex Forrest, the former long-time…