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Organization: City of Santa Clarita
Date: June 9, 2009
Thousands of Firefighters, Police Officers Head to SCV for 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games
Community Invited to Enjoy Free Olympic-Style Competition June 13-20, 2009
SANTA CLARITA, CA — The 2010 Winter Olympics is more than a year away, but this weekend Southern California residents can enjoy one of the area's most exciting multi-sport events: the 2009 Western State Police & Fire Games (WSPFG), coming to Los Angeles June 13 through June 20, 2009.
More than 5,000 police and fire personnel will participate in more than 50 sporting events being hosted in the Santa Clarita Valley and neighboring Southland communities as part of this exciting annual event. Events include everything from traditional sports like baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball, and football to sports like ultimate firefighter, weight lifting, karate, wakeboarding, dodge ball, archery, mud run, paintball, billiards, horseshoe, and more. Law enforcement and firefighters from across the country will compete in the games, which test the mental and physical strength of competitors.
"This really is a regional event for Los Angeles. Our attendees are coming from across the Western half of the United States to experience a California getaway. We chose Santa Clarita not only because of the great sporting facilities, but because it is conveniently located within minutes of Los Angeles sporting venues and points of interest," said Los Angeles Police Chief Richard Barrantes, who serves as executive director of the 2009 WSPFG. "This is really going to drive our attendance."
Because the City of Santa Clarita serves as the host for the event, key sports such as basketball, softball, soccer, baseball, boxing, karate, half-marathon, golf, and flag football, will take place at City facilities including Central Park, the Santa Clarita Sports Complex, and the Aquatic Center among other facilities. Numerous events will also be played on William S. Hart District fields and at College of the Canyons. Attendance is free and residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and support the events and participants.
"We could not be more pleased to serve as host City for the Games," said City of Santa Clarita Mayor Frank Ferry. "So many fire and police professionals call Santa Clarita home and it's a pleasure to work in coordination with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Athletic Association to support an event that promotes camaraderie, healthy living, and the spirit of competition."
Community Events Open to Residents Numerous entertainment events are scheduled to take place as part of the WSPFG during the evenings, providing opportunities for residents and competitor's family members to enjoy the community and its diverse offerings.
Highlights for the week and opportunities for the community and residents to get involved with the games include the following:
• My Classic Rock Band will be playing at Hyatt Regency Valencia opening day Saturday, June 13.
• Bodybuilding is expected to attract hundreds of spectators Sunday, June 14, at the College of the Canyons, Performing Arts Center.
• Boxing is always a crowd pleaser and one of the WSPFG's most anticipated events. Boxing is schedule to take place Monday, June 15, Tuesday, June 16, Wednesday, June 17, and Friday, June 19 at Santa Clarita Studios.
• Tuesday night, June 16 the community is invited to rock out at an outdoor free concert on Town Center Drive in front of the Hyatt Regency Valencia featuring classic rock band, Acefrom 5:30 PM until 9:30 PM. Acehas been voted by Los Angeles Magazine as Los Angeles' #1 "live" dance band in Southern California.
• Thursday night, June 18 is "Law Enforcement and Firefighter Night" at Saddle Ranch Chop Housein Universal City.
Get Involved There are many ways for residents and businesses to get involved with the 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games, including exciting volunteer opportunities for adults 18 and older. Volunteer opportunities include registration, merchandise sales, score keeping, timekeeping, logistical and operational support. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and lunch. Business can also be a part of the Games, with visibility at the registration expo and through sponsorship opportunities. Volunteers and business owners interested in learning more should call (323) 526-5757 or visit WSPFG2009.org for more information.
Santa Clarita Background Santa Clarita offers visitors the quintessential California experience. Abundant sunshine, a unique blend of urban sophistication and small town charm, historic elements, destination dining, signature shopping and a variety of world-class events, attractions and accommodations for all ages have made Santa Clarita a must see when visiting Southern California. As Santa Clarita is just minutes from Los Angeles and Ventura it makes it a great central location to experience all the region offers.
Background about the WSPFG The WSPFG originated in 1967 as the California Police Olympics, but in the decades that followed branched out to include other states and the inclusion of the Fire Department. Since its inception the games have grown tremendously and have been hosted in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming among other states.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Athletic Association is responsible for sponsoring the 2009 event, in association with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Santa Clarita, the William S. Hart Union School District, and College of the Canyons.
For additional information about the WSPFG, including a full schedule of events and times, please visit WSPFG2009.org, log on to VisitSantaClarita.com, or contact the City of Santa Clarita's Tourism Office at (661) 286-4084.
