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Jefferson County approves funding agreement for World Police and Fire Games; organizers say event will be free and widespread
Summary
The Jefferson County Commission voted to approve a funding agreement with organizers of the World Police and Fire Games, which organizers say will bring nearly 8,000 athletes, 72 countries and 45 venues to the county and will be free to the public.
The Jefferson County Commission voted to approve a funding agreement with the organizers of the World Police and Fire Games, which begin this week and will use multiple county venues.
Organizers told commissioners the event will be open at no cost, will include dozens of sports across the county and is expected to attract thousands of athletes and visitors.
Makovich, the CEO of the World Police and Fire Games organizing body, said the scale of the event in Jefferson County is much larger than recent editions of similar competitions. "We have 65 sports to produce, not 32. We have almost 8,000 athletes, not 3,500. We have 45 venues, which is double the world games," Makovich said. He also emphasized the event's public-access model: "We do not sell tickets. It's free and open to anybody in our county downtown. There's no economic barrier to go to any event at any time, including opening ceremony." The organizer said 72 countries had registered and that many events are concentrated at the BJCC and other county venues.
County commissioners asked for and were offered additional information about which sports and local participation levels; organizers said they would provide a list. Commissioners also discussed local economic benefits; Makovich said the Games' 2025 budget is about $16 million and described corporate fundraising as smaller than in prior multisport events.
A motion to approve the county funding agreement was made and seconded; commissioners voiced support and the motion passed.
Organizers invited the public to attend the opening ceremony at the BJCC at 6 p.m. on Friday and encouraged county residents to visit free events and support local first responders competing in the Games.
