Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has praised the team of correctional officials that returned today from the 13th World Police and Fire Games in British Columbia Canada with over 200 medals.
“You have done us proud. Your excellent performance at the games is an indicator that we have among us the best in the world,” said Minister Mapisa-Nqakula after the arrival of a 145 strong team of correctional officials from a nine day international sporting spectacular of Police, Correctional officials and fire fighters.
The team set a new record by bringing 216 medals that include 86 gold medals, 59 silver and 71 bronze medals, beating even a good record of 163 medals achieved in the 12th World Police and Fire Games of 2007. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula said these games contributed a great deal also in strengthening the department’s wellness programme. She said officials are the most important resource in the delivery of correctional services. “Sports and Recreation help in ensuring that our officials take care of themselves holistically and gear themselves for better contributions in rehabilitating offenders and protecting our society,” said Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.
She said, “You have not done it only for us as Correctional Services, but you have placed South Africa on the world map as one of the top sporting nations of the world.” The games bring together professionals in the security spheres from across the world to among other things, bring law enforcement officials together through sport; build relations amongst countries and share knowledge and experiences in relation specific areas of their work.
The Department of Correctional Services has been participating in the games since 1995 and the performance of the team has been improving steadily overtime with the team reaching record high levels this year.
The games enable sportsmen and women to show skill in sporting codes such as rugby, athletics, pistol shooting and soccer among others. Shortly after landing at the O R Tambo International Airport today, the Manager of the Correctional Services’ team, Mr Hento Davids, summarised the experience as exceptional competition and outstanding performance of Correctional Officials that endeared themselves to most spectators with their songs, dance and special vuvuzela renditions that were absolutely unique. We have also built new and renewed friendships and networks that will last a lifetime.”
The theme of the games is honour and respect for law enforcement officers. The games attract over 10 000 participants from over 30 countries of the world and with sports tourists of over 35 000. The games also boast of massively contributing to hosting countries revenue. South Africa is gearing itself to bid for the 2017 World Police and Fire Games.
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Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
12 August 2009
