POLICE officers laced up their shoes for a day of inclusive sporting activities this week in a bid to encourage exercise among serving and retired force members living with injuries, disabilities, mental health or illness.
West Mercia Police’s inaugural Adaptive Sporting Event saw force officers and staff from all walks of life (retired and serving) partake in inclusive sports in friendly competition on Wednesday (October 16).
Organised by Police UK Disability Sport (PUKDS) community interest company, competitors joined in the sporting challenges at the force’s HQ in Hindlip.
Temporary chief constable Richard Cooper, who opened the event, said: “The benefits of sport are well known, and it is fantastic to work alongside this organisation who offer so much to serving and retired police officers, staff and volunteers.
“It is important that sport is accessible to everyone, and I hope today will be an opportunity for officers and staff to try something they perhaps haven’t done before”.
PUKDS are on a mission to provide a platform into sports and exercise for serving and retired police officers, staff and volunteers living with injuries, disabilities, mental health or illness throughout the UK. The CIC focuses on adaptive or disability and fully inclusive sports and activities.
Staff, volunteers and officers who competed on the day tried their hand at wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and badminton, and wheelchair and walking cricket.
Gary Callier, the founder of PUKDS, said: “After today we hope to build alongside West Mercia Police, one of our PUKDS adaptive hubs here for the region, and we are looking at running national events, a national police league and some community events as well.”