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27 Jul 2009

Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula wished well last night, 26 July 2009, a strong 145 member team of Correctional Services that jetted out to represent South Africa and the Department in the World Police and Fire Games that start on 30 July and end on 9 August 2009 in Vancouver, Canada.

The team is accompanied by nine managers; one medic and one biokineticist to provide support and help the team successfully defend their world championship titles in 23 sporting events and to bring back more gold, silver and bronze medals.

In a message delivered to officials just before their departure at the OR Tambo International Airport, Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the team "carries our hopes and our aspirations as a great sporting nation. I trust that you will excel and bring back more medals". The formidable team has been chosen throughout all Correctional Services Management Areas and is made up of various men and women form different sporting codes. These codes include athletics, darts, badminton, golf, pistol shooting, rugby, soccer, squash, volleyball, cycling, karate, biathlon and fresh water angling.

Correctional Services has been participating in the World Police and Fire Games since 1995. South Africa is bidding to host the games in 2017. The games do not only help build critical networks, knowledge development and showcasing the sporting prowess of law enforcement agencies, but they bring revenue estimated at R240 million to the hosting nation.

Selection to represent the department has been determined by the various sporting codes, sports federations, regional trials as well as assessment by the High Performance Centre in Potchefstroom. It is important for Correctional Officials to participate in these games as the objectives include using sport to:

* build networks among law enforcement officials
* showcase the sport talents of law enforcement officials
* forge good working relations between countries and their people through exchange programmes
* strengthening delivery on core business of law enforcement agencies through sharing of knowledge and experiences
* promotes the concept of physical fitness and sport within communities.

The department has collected more than 600 medals in these games since its participation and is currently defending champions in more than 23 events.

The composition of the team is as follows: 35 females and 110 males. From the Australian Games the Department returned with 129 medals including 56 gold, 46 silver and 27 bronze medals. Correctional Services was placed seventh out of more than 60 countries which makes the department’s team one of the world class achievers.

Funding for the trip has been secured mainly from the Correctional Officials’ Sports Fund with a minimal contribution from the participants as has been the case over the years Correctional Services participated in the games. The enthusiasm to get the team to Canada was unfazed by the current economic downturn which resulted in many potential sponsors being unable to sponsor the trip and by the Department of Correctional Services' austerity measures. The Sports Fund is part of the broader mission of ensuring correctional officials’ wellness in all respects in order to play their role as rehabilitators more effectively.

(Print Media: Pictures of the team are available on request. Just SMS your picture e-mail to 083 626 0304 or 082 780 6227 immediately).

Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304

Issued by Communications: Department of Correctional Services
27 July 2009

Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
27 Jul 2009

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