Enthusiasm for 2022 New Zealand AP&ES Games
Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games organisers have turned their attention to New Zealand following cancellation of the 2020 Games, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Games, scheduled to be held in Wollongong New South Wales in October, was cancelled following a unanimous decision by the NSW Advisory Board.
The next AP&ES Games will be held in Rotorua & Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, on 4-11 March 2022.
The 2020 Games Director Detective Superintendent Gavin Dengate said the decision to cancel was not made lightly.
“COVID-19 and social isolation restrictions have provided uncertainly as to the future. While the Games is not scheduled to be held until October, it was determined that people could not have their plans suspended any longer,” Det Supt Dengate said.
“Importantly, our collective efforts as first responders need to be focussed on this pandemic right now.”
Det Supt Dengate said the cancellation had come as a disappointment to both would-be participants and the NSW organising committee, a collective of our state’s emergency service agencies.
“We were saddened by the news, primarily because of the friendships gained, also in the anticipation of many more occurring during the Games. Our journey began in the months leading up to the 2018 AP&ES Games in Mandurah Western Australia, and continues to this day,” he said.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for the sensational job done to this point; for turning our many collaborative ideas into reality as we moved towards what was shaping up to be a very successful event.
“We would also like to thank the sponsors who were keen to give back to the emergency services. We appreciate them for their enthusiasm and support.”
Achievements included securing the Patronage of Australian Governor-General David Hurley and having a number of prominent sports Ambassadors come on board including Olympian Dawn Fraser AC MBE.
Det Supt Dengate said the NSW emergency services commissioners had decided to put their collective efforts into the next NSW Emergency Services Games, to be held in Wollongong on 20-25 March 2021, to which everyone from across Australasia will be invited to attend.
“Our Kiwi counterparts have already been busy working behind the scenes preparing an event of which to be proud. The organising committee’s enthusiasm has been extremely infectious,” Det Supt Dengate said
“Of course, people are disappointed, however since announcement of the 2020 Games cancellation, we have received tremendous feedback from participants who have resolved to start saving for a trip across the Tasman!
“Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm in wanting to attend the 2020 AP&ES Games. If we do not see you in Wollongong next March, we look forward to seeing you all in New Zealand in 2022!”
The 2022 AP&ES Games website - www.apes2022.co.nz - is expected to be operational by the end of May.
Note these Games are open for all registered members of the CFA to attend as competitors.