Kids and Cops Play at TPAAA Games

Without a cloud in the sky, and with music blaring, over 160 children participated in the 76th annual TPAAA Playground Games.

Held at the Regent Park Athletic Grounds, the Games provide opportunities to teach local kids a variety of sports, including cricket, basketball, lacrosse and soccer.

Each sport station is run by police officers with experience in the sport, offering a unique way for interactions with officers to take place.

David Sawyer, in charge of the lacrosse station, reaffirmed the importance of the day.

“I’m not here in a police uniform, I'm here in my lacrosse uniform, and it shows we can be seen in a different way. We’re not just someone in uniform with body armour. We can build that connection, build that bridge and say ‘hey, we’re gonna throw the ball around, play catch and have fun’.”

Along with the plethora of sports to try, members of various specialized units across the Service were on hand to answer questions and offer the chance to climb aboard police vehicles, such as an ETF truck and a TSV motorcycle.

Deputy Chief Rob Johnson, who was on hand to kick off the Games, recognized the impact an event like this has, not only amongst the children, but every officer volunteering as well.

“It’s really encouraging- it grounds us all and makes us remember who we are and where we came from, and what we’re here to do.”