Games Connects Officers Worldwide
Constable Farzhad Ghotbi had a lot on his plate at the just concluded World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) in Winnipeg.
As a Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association member assisting with ensuring that Toronto Police Service (TPS) athletes were successful in navigating the Games environment, and a competitor, he excelled.
The 51 Division Neighbourhood Community Officer won gold medals in the Men’s Body Building and Men’s Physique competitions in the Over 40 age category.
Ghotbi has been engaged in the sport since 1998 when he took part in his first competition in Kingston.
“I enjoy it because it helps release negative stress,” said the officer who is a Canadian Physique Alliance Judge.
Ghotbi’s first foray in the WPG was in 2017 in Los Angeles where he secured gold medals in both events.
Constable Chuan Wang made a successful return to the WPFG after a 10-year hiatus.
Competing in the 50-54 age category at the 20th biennial event in Winnipeg, the Financial Crimes-Central Fraud Office member captured a silver medal in the 800-metre event in two minutes and 26 seconds and bronze in the 400-metre race and 4x 400-metre mixed relay.
The only Toronto Police officer in the relay, Wang said the Games experience was fulfilling.
“I got to meet so many officers from around the world who are dedicated to keeping fit and enjoy competing,” he said. “I have also made some long-lasting friendships.”
This was the second time that Wang competed at the WPFG.
In 2013 in Belfast, he took part in the 100 and 200-metre events.
“Travelling to the Games can be quite expensive,” he said. “I like running and my middle distance running has improved. I followed training programs provided by some professional athletes. The preparation and hard work paid off.”
Wang joined the Service 15 years ago. Starting at 43 Division, he transferred last April to the Financial Crimes Unit.
Other Toronto Police medalists were Craig Meredith (bronze in angling), Kate Galamiyeva (two silvers in swimming and another in shooting), Ryan Tudor (five medals in swimming and shooting), Kirk Chin (silver in shooting) and Steve Mitakidis (bronze in shooting).
The men’s basketball and men and women soccer teams won silver medals.
Retired officers Phil Semple and Ken Costello secured four gold and two silver medals in athletics and rowing respectively.
