More than 60 athletes from the Philippines are now in Winnipeg as the city hosts the ongoing World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) which officially opened Friday July 28 at the Canada Life Centre and running until August 6th, 2023.
Competing in various sports, Team Philippines bagged its first GOLD in the 21K Half Marathon Run – Heavy Weight division that was held Sunday. Police staff Sergeant Maria Caress Arnejo placed first as she competed against other athletes representing various countries across the world.
A native of Bohol, Arnejo, joins other Pinoy athletes from various units of Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection who travelled to Canada to represent the country using their personal money. Some members of Team Philippines are still in the country awaiting Travel Authority and Visa approval. Police Lieutenant General Rhodel Sermonia, PNP’s Deputy Director for Administration, and the 2nd ranking general in the PNP leads the team.
WPFG is considered the largest sporting event ever hosted by the province with an estimated 8,500 athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters, and police officers from more than 70 countries.
Entrance to watch the games are free which are done in different locations that include the University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, West Kildonan Legion and others. The Forks Market will serve as the Athletes Village and closing ceremony site.
As a way to support Tean Philppines, the Filipino community led by Kenneth Salazar, Leila Castro and Ray Forbes Argulla are seeking help in the form of monetary or food donation or in transporting the athletes from their quarters to the site of games. Inrterested donors and volunteers may reach out to Kenneth Salazar at 204-915-6018 or kennethsalazar7530@yahoo.ca.
There will be a Testimonial Dinner honoring the Filipino athletes July 31, 2023, at PCCM from 7 pm to 9 pm. Event is free for all and everyone is encouraged to bring food to share.
For game schedules and more information, click
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kenneth Salazar and Ray Argulla)
Police staff Sergeant Maria Caress Arnejo placed first in the 21K Half Marathon Run – Heavy Weight division that was held July 30 at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games
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