A platoon of approximately 145 Correctional Services (DCS) officials will be taking part in the World Police and Fire games in Vancouver, Canada. They will be jetting out of the country on Sunday, 26 July 2009. In addition nine managers, one medic and one biokineticist will accompany the team.
The formidable team has been chosen throughout all DCS management areas and is made up of various officials form different sporting codes. These include athletics, darts, badminton, golf, pistol shooting, rugby, soccer, squash, volleyball, cycling, karate, biathlon and fresh water angling.
Funding for the trip has been secured mainly from the DCS sport fund and a minimal contribution from the participant as potential sponsors could not contribute because of the economic situation.
This has historically been like that and therefore the questions raised do not arise for the department. There has not been any requirement for the approval of the board of trustees or consultation of members for the decisions.
The department participated in these games as from 1995 as permission had been granted by the former president of South Africa at the time.
Selection to represent the department has been determined by the various sporting codes, sports federations, regional trials as well as assessment by the high performance centre in Potchefstroom. It is important for our officials to participate in these games as the objectives of the games are to:
* bring law enforcement together through sport participation
* showcase the sport talent of law enforcement officials
* build relations amongst countries and forge exchange programmes in sport
* advance the core business of law enforcement through sport and recreation
* promote the concept of physical fitness and sport within communities
* strive towards athletic excellence
* promote the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity and
* share knowledge and experience in relation to core business.
The department has collected more than 600 medals in these games and is a defending champion in more than 23 events.
The department has submitted a bid to host the 2017 World Police and Fire games in South Africa. The official bid document has been submitted and accepted. This also contributes to the implementation of the department’s wellness strategy.
The composition of the team is as follows:
35 females and 110 males
Correctional Services are defending world champions in soccer.
From the Australian games the department returned with 129 medals including 56 gold, 46 silver and 27 bronze medals.
Correctional Services was placed seventh out of more than 60 countries which makes the department’s team world class achievers.
Enquiries
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
27 July 2009
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www-dcs.pwv.gov.za/)
