LAX ROLLS OUT THE RED (AND BLUE) CARPET TO WELCOME THE 2017 WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES TO LOS ANGELES
(Los Angeles, California – August 3, 2017) Starting today and continuing throughout the weekend, thousands of athletes, fans, and staff will arrive at LAX for the 2017 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG). The games, which include athletes from more than 70 countries participating in more than 65 sports and disciplines, will begin on Sunday, August 6, and continue through Wednesday, August 16, with individuals and teams representing firefighters, law enforcement, and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration and customs.
“The World Police and Fire Games bring together the best of the best from around the world, and LAX could not be more pleased to welcome these incredible first responders, who are shining examples of dedication to their communities and their profession,” said Trevor Daley, Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). “We send our best wishes to all of the athletes, especially those competing from our Airport Police Department family. We know that the experience here in Los Angeles will be once in a lifetime, and Los Angeles World Airports looks forward to rolling out the red (and blue) carpet for the athletes and fans.”
In addition to the international athletes, hundreds of competitors from the Southern California region will be participating, including members of the Los Angeles Airport Police (LAXPD), Los Angeles Police Department, and Los Angeles Fire Department. Competitors from LAXPD include its soccer team, the Aviators; its baseball team, the Lookouts; three pistol teams; and three Mud Run teams. Individually, Officer Fran Sur, LAXPD Wellness Coordinator, will compete in road cycling and mountain bike races, and Officer Ray Woods will compete in Men's Physique.
"The World Police and Fire Games are a great opportunity to come together for camaraderie and friendly competition,” said LAX Airport Police Chief David Maggard. "I wish the best to all participants, and particularly the fine officers representing the Los Angeles Airport Police."
Altogether, more than 8,000 people are expected to participate in the individual and team events, which range from triathlon, to judo, to rifle shooting, to soccer – and dozens of other sports and competitions.
LAXPD Senior Lead Officer Albert Carlos, a member of the Lookouts, said, "I am participating because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity as a law enforcement Officer to be able to not only represent my department and the community that I serve, but my country as well."
Los Angeles World Airports is taking an active role in welcoming the games, including: changing the colors of the iconic LAX pylons to blue and red (in honor of police and fire, respectively), starting on Saturday, August 5 and continuing through the week; producing a 30-second video welcoming the WPFG to Los Angeles, created by WPFG and LAWA, which plays for airport guests who are logging-on to the LAX free Wi-Fi and is being promoted across social media platforms; and coordinating with local police officers to welcome and escort dignitaries and large international groups.
“On behalf of the World Police and Fire Games Federation, I want to extend our greetings and best wishes to all competitors, families and friends and a heartfelt welcome to the 17th World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles,” said Michael Graham, President of the California Police Athletic Foundation. “We know you have worked for many years in preparation for these Games, and have traveled great distances to join us in Los Angeles. Be assured our Los Angeles Host has worked hard to provide you with best facilities and officials for the Games events, as well as many enjoyable and entertaining social events in which we hope you take part.”
For more information on the 2017 World Police and Fire Games, including information on the opening ceremonies and a schedule of events, The 30-second promotional video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmGEXvJixiA.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the fourth busiest airport in the world, second in the United States, and was named one of Skytrax’s 2017 Top 10 Most Improved Airports. LAX served more than 80.9 million passengers in 2016. LAX offers 737 daily nonstop flights to 100 cities in the U.S. and 1,386 weekly nonstop flights to 88 cities in 44 countries on 73 commercial air carriers. LAX ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with more than 2.2 million tons of air cargo valued at over $101.4 billion. LAX handled 697,138 operations (landings and takeoffs) in 2016.
An economic study based on 2014 operations reported LAX generated 620,600 jobs in Southern California with labor income of $37.3 billion and economic output (business revenues) of more than $126.6 billion. This activity added $6.2 billion to local and state revenues and $8.7 billion in federal tax revenues. The study also reported that LAX’s ongoing capital-improvement program creates an additional 121,640 annual jobs with labor income of $7.6 billion and economic output of $20.3 billion, $966 million in state and local taxes, and $1.6 billion in federal tax revenues.
LAX is also the second most popular airport in the world to appear on Instagram according to wego.com. LAX is part of a system of two Southern California airports – along with Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
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