Thousands of police officers and firefighters will compete in the Western States Police & Fire Games from June 3-11 at the Ontario Convention Center in tests of agility and skill.
The event will feature more than 65 sporting events, including boxing, karate, archery, and cycling. Professional Mixed Martial Arts matches, the Spurs and Stripes Extreme Rodeo Games, an action plaza featuring a paintball cage and rock climbing, a street fair, kart racing and obstacle course are among the many public offerings for entertainment throughout each day.
Organizers expect more than 10,000 competitors from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming for this year's event, which is expected to generate $15 million in economic impact to the region.
The eight-day event will observe the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with tributes and displays. The Freedom's Flame Memorial, a traveling exhibit that includes steel beams of the former World Trade Center towers, a fire truck used during the rescue attempts, a piece of the Pentagon and fragments from the Flight 93 wreckage will be on public display throughout the event.
The net-revenue proceeds of the games will be distributed to the official charities of the event — the American Red Cross (Inland Empire chapter) that was so instrumental in the aftermath of 9-11; and Casa Colina, Centers for Rehabilitation, which works with law enforcement, fire and the military on traumatic head injuries.
"Our objective this year is to not only provide the athletes with a memorable and long-lasting experience, but to also embrace the community," according to Amita Patel, the executive director of the games and director of sales and marketing of the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau. "There is no better way to pay tribute to our public safety officials than with an event that celebrates their strengths, recognizes their contributions and memorializes their sacrifices."
