TPS member competes in 2023 World Police and Fire Games

By Cole Parkinson
For Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This summer has been busy with sports and that included the bi-annual World Police and Fire Games. This year’s edition was hosted in Winnipeg and local Taber Police Member Cst. Leighton Motz headed east to compete in the games held from July 28-Aug. 6.

“It was an honour to go to Winnipeg and represent the Taber Police Service and interact with so many police and fire personnel from around the world.  Everyone was so approachable, welcoming and united in promoting emergency services in a positive light. When I chose to compete in the Toughest Competitor Alive event, I was drawn to it because of the unique range of events and skills. Ranging from swimming, to weightlifting, to shot-put. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone and try new skills,” explained Motz.

For the games, more than 8,500 athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters, and police officers from more than 50 countries across the world with athletes competing in more than 60 unique sports. Locally, Motz competed in the Toughest Competitor Alive competition. The competition consisted of the following components — 5K run, Shot Put, 100 M Dash, 100 M Swim, 20-foot rope, Bench Press, Pull-ups, and Obstacle Course.

Competing in the 30+ age, heavyweight category, Motz took home the gold medal with 3,948.55 total points. In the 5k, Motz posted a time of 23:33, in the shot put, he threw 942, and in the 100-meter dash he ran 0:13.9. In the pool, Motz swam 1:35.9 in the 100-meter swim, while he had a time of 0:10.4 in the rope climb, 125 in the bench press, 24 pull-ups, and a 1:32.1 in the obstacle course.

“When I realized that I actually won my event, the seven months I spent training for it had finally paid off and was worth all the dedication, training injuries and time spent away from family. I am especially grateful for my family, friends and colleagues who supported me. This event was no joke and at the start of the day, I decided to leave everything on the table and give it my all. It paid off,” added Motz.

Canada would finish first overall in medals with 235 golds, 207 silvers, and 152 bronzes — 594 total. The U.S. came in second with 546 while Brazil rounded out the top three with 235.