Belfast is turning to sport this month and hosting the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG), the third-largest international multi-sport event in the world.
The events will last from 1 to 10 August with organisers aiming to attract 25,000 visitors from over 60 countries to the games. This will include over 7000 competitors competing in 56 sports. It will be the largest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland, and a major boost to the local economy, particularly hotels, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions.
The Games are held biennially and are commonly referred to as the Olympics for serving and retired police, fire, prison and border security officers. A limited company was established by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in February 2011 to deliver the event which includes sports ranging from ice hockey, body building and boxing to canoe sprints and surfing.
Belfast aims to deliver the friendliest and most successful Games ever, both on and off the field of play. The event represents an amazing opportunity to raise the profile of Northern Ireland internationally and leave a lasting legacy. It will increase future tourist and business visitors, improve the ability to attract future international events and enhance the image of our emergency services at home and abroad.
The majority of events will be open to the public, giving people the opportunity to attend some fantastic, free sporting events leaving you motivated to stay fit and healthy this summer.
For more information visit: www.2013wpfg.com
You can also keep up to date at www.facebook.com/2013wpfg or www.twitter.com/wpfg2013
