World Police and Fire Games furthers its legacy with $300K cash infusion for Winnipeg groups
Games venues, youth organizations will benefit from unexpected windfall
The World Police and Fire Games hosted by Winnipeg in 2023 are history, but its board hopes to continue their legacy by pumping more than $300,000 left over from its budget to support the city's sports venues and youth sport organizations.
"This investment will ensure the legacy of the World Police and Fire Games will have a lasting effect," Ward Gordon, treasurer for the 2023 WPFG's host society, told reporters at a news conference on Friday.
The money comes from the budgetary surplus left over from the games, which brought more than 5,000 first responders from 68 countries to Winnipeg, according to a WPFG news release. The Olympic-style event had an estimated impact of $49.1 million on the city, Gordon said.
Each of the nine venues that hosted competitions, including FortWhyte Alive and the Dakota Community Centre, will receive $10,000. The funding will be used to upgrade infrastructure and support facility maintenance, Gordon said.
Another $34,000 will be used to reduce financial barriers for future competitors who decide to take part in the games, he said. Many competitors had to use their vacation time and pay registration fees ranging from $100 to $535 US, along with accommodations and travel costs, Gordon said. "It is a little touch to take the sting off."
He hopes the funding will continue past the agreed on one year, and said he will make that recommendation to the three unions involved — the Winnipeg Police Association, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg and the National Federation of Police.
'Safe spaces for youth'
Three youth organizations — the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council, Kidsport and the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre — will receive $60,000 each to provide more opportunities to young athletes.
"It's absolutely amazing," said Mell Whitesell, executive director of the MASRC, adding the charity had never before received a donation of that size.
Whitesell plans to use the money to buy new equipment and establish new programs for the 500 youths who attend each year.
"It couldn't have come at a more needed time," said Dustin Ehr, Manitoba co-ordinator for Kidsport.
The organization reached the greatest number of participants it's ever seen in 2024, funding more than 1,700 youths joining the programming, Ehr says, adding it costs nearly $620,000 to fund its activities.
The new funding will allow for almost 120 children to take part in the program next year, Ehr says.
Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) said the funding will open new opportunities and create safe spaces for Winnipeg youth.
"Together through partnerships like this, we are building a stronger, healthier and more connected Winnipeg," she said.