2017 World Police and Fire Games Opening Ceremonies at the Iconic Los Angeles Coliseum NA17139SF

August 8, 2017

WHAT:
Opening Ceremonies

WHEN:
Monday
August 7, 2017
5:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
3911 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037

WHO:
The Honorable Mayor of the City of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti The Honorable Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson Los Angeles Police Chief of Police, Charlie Beck Los Angeles County Sheriff, Jim McDonnell os Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles Brian McKnight, Singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and musician Oscar De La Hoya, professional boxer and USA Olympian Azad al-Barazi, 2016 Olympic Swimmer and Los Angeles County Lifeguard Leslie Sykes, ABC7 News Anchor Phillip Palmer, ABC7 News Anchor Larry Collins, President, California Police Athletic Federation Dignitaries and Athletes representing 68 Countries

WHY:
From Monday, August 7th to Wednesday, August 16, 2017, Los Angeles will host the World Police & Fire Games. More than 8,700 athletes, all active or retired police officers or firefighters, from more than 67 countries will compete in over 65 different sports and disciplines, and draw up to 30,000 spectators. Opening Ceremonies will kick off the Games at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, home of the 1932, 1984 and soon to be 2028 Summer Olympics.

According to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, a veteran competitor and athlete in the 2017 Games, “The World Police and Fire Games not only help to promote physical fitness through intense competition, it also builds camaraderie and life-long friendships among first responders. The opportunity to showcase our great city is great, but the fortuity to bring athletes from around the world together with our diverse communities to share in the passion of sport, that’s something special.”

During the Opening Ceremonies, attendees will cheer on their favorite Country during the Parade of Athletes, hear the National Anthem sung by world-renowned recording artist Brian McKnight, listen to words of inspiration by Los Angles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, and be motivated by LA Legend, former U.S. Olympian and professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya. Attendees will also witness the Athletes’ Oath delivered by Summer Olympian, Azad al-Barazi.

VISUALS:
Parade of more than 8,000 athletes from around the globe, the ceremonial lighting of the WPFG torch and the flag raising ceremony.

ADDITIONAL:
The Opening Ceremony, and all sporting events are free, and open to the public.

MEDIA:
Parking for Media will be made available on the southside, eastbound curb of Exposition Park Drive. Media Registration and Credentials are available at Gate #4. LAPD Cadets will escort media to, two Media Viewing areas. WiFi will be available for the duration of the program. WPFG Opening Ceremonies can be viewed on Facebook/LAPD Headquarters (@theLAPD).

CONTACT:
For more information, please contact Police Officer Drake Madison, LAPD Media Relations Division at (213) 486-5910, or Police Officer Sara Faden, WPFG Director of Opening Ceremonies and Special Events at (213) 841-2064. For a schedule of sporting events, please click here, or visit: www.LA17WPFG.com.