Police World Edition 4, 2013

World Police Fire Games

Belfast 2013 I N T E R N A T I O N A L P O L I C E A S S O C I A T I O N by IPA 1974 © S E R V O P E R A M I K E C O

Carole spence presents bronze medal to IPA member from Hong Kong

After the International Executive Council (IEC) meeting in Romania in 2011, the IPA in Northern Ireland became custodians of the IPA sponsorship package of the World Police and Fire Games, 2013. Mark Kernohan reports on what happened next.

A committee was formed which had involvement from the International Social Commission (ISC) represented by Billy Saunderson from Section Ireland and Section UK NEC members. The Northern Ireland committee became, by virtue of location, the main element for all organisation, communication and involvement of IPA and this was supported by the Section UK Communications Team at Fox Road. The aims of the IPA involvement were to increase the Association’s brand image around the world, to provide support to IPA members attending both socially and to assist with accommodation. There would also be an opportunity for police officers, as competitors or spectators, to join the Association. Where these aims achieved? They most certainly were. Over 5000 police officers visited the IPA stand over the five days of registration - all receiving literature outlining the benefits of joining the IPA in any of the member countries. This was so successful that the private companies, with stands either side of IPA, commented that they were so thankful to IPA for attracting business. Seventeen new IPA members signed up at the stand from Ireland, UK, Canada, USA, Australia and Germany. IPA had Bronze Partnership status and it was recognised by the organisers of the games that IPA was the first police membership organisation to provide sponsorship since the games first commenced in 1984. Lots of visitors to the stand also commented that it was great to see a police sponsor.

As part of the sponsorship IPA obtained naming rights to the lawn bowls competition which meant that over the four days of the competition (which was open to the public) the IPA had banners and displays whilst people competed from all over the world. The IPA also had VIP tickets to the opening ceremony which was attended by over 25000 people. It had access to all venues so members of local IPA carried pop up banners and advertising cards and distributed them to the visitors at most of the events. IPA Northern Ireland’s contribution was invaluable - helping with accommodation, transport and in one country's case - help with meal expenses. The IPA held a party, which was sponsored jointly by the IPA Sections North and South of Ireland, for 235 IPA members who had attended the games - making it the largest party of the games - bigger even than the ‘next host of the games’ party night. Twenty four IPA countries were represented at the party. There were guests from the organisers of the games as well as Judith Gillespie, Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service Northern Ireland and IPA member, who also dropped in. The IPA was also represented by members of the Permanent Executive Bureau (PEB), the ISC and members from Section Ireland and Section UK. IPA members won lots of medals in lots of different sports (we are in the process of collating a list of winners through the High Achievers Award. This will be published once completed). The IPA had tickets for the closing party where the Red Arrows made a surprise flyover and Guinness flowed for all who attended. Mark Kernohan

International President Pierre-Martin Moulin

To view more imagery from this event

Visit: www.ipa-uk.org/ WPFG-image-gallery

The IPA sponsored lawn bowls tournament London Metropolitan police dragon boat team

16 Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013