Mark this date on your calendar: Tuesday, July 26, 2022, is the day the Opening Ceremonies of the Can-Am Police-Fire Games take place at Windsor’s riverfront Festival Plaza.

The Windsor Port Authority is the presenting sponsor of the Opening Ceremonies, and it will be an event not to miss, with live music, food and beverage tents, fireworks and, of course, the lighting of the ceremonial torch.

“On behalf of the Windsor Port Authority, it’s my pleasure to help ensure our Opening Ceremonies are the kind of kick-off event that our first responders deserve,” said Port Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Salmons. “Our beautiful waterfront has been a gathering place for trade, travel and camaraderie for thousands of years. It’s the perfect backdrop to say thank you to our first responders and showcase our city.”

St. Clair College is helping ensure our uniformed visitors experience a taste of Windsor. The college is sponsoring foods from across our community that represent our cultural diversity.

“At both its Windsor and Chatham campuses, St. Clair College has been the preeminent trainer of emergency and first-responder personnel for decades – paramedics, police and security officers, and more recently, firefighters and border service personnel,” St. Clair President Patti France observed. “Our alumni association jumped at the opportunity to be involved in the Can-Am Police-Fire Games, given that a majority of the local participants who will be involved are probably our grads. The college expects, too, that a great many of our current students in these fields will turn out to the event as volunteers and spectators. On top of that, our sponsorship is a great way to show our support of – and gratitude for – first responders, especially in recognition of the past few years of crisis which they’ve endured.”

Along with attending the opening ceremonies, residents are encouraged to take in many of the 44 competitive events taking place starting July 26 and ending July 31: e vents from traditional sports, like softball, swimming, and track and field, to participant-specific sports, like the Toughest Firefighter Alive contest. In all, 44 competitive events involving up to 800 athletes from across Canada and United States will take place.

“Our first responders, locally and across North America do an incredible job,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “Getting a chance to host them and show our appreciation at the opening ceremonies with our sponsorship partners is something our city is proud to do. I encourage everyone to come out and cheer them on, and for any first responders — if you haven’t signed up to compete yet, don’t delay any longer. This is going to be a great week to be a part of. Congratulations to the organizers and sponsors that have brought us to this point. You have our thanks for providing an opportunity for the women and men of our emergency response services to compete, connect, and inspire.”

For a complete list of event dates, times and locations, as well as registration information visit www.windsor2022.ca today!

You can also stay on top of all the excitement as it builds by following along on social media:

The Can-Am Police Fire Games are a biennial multi-sport competition where police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), customs, corrections and more compete.