There were smiles all around at the 35th Annual Children’s Games this weekend. The event was held at the Chesnut Hill Development Recreation Centre in Pickering.
Children with physical disabilities participated in a number of sports including darts, moon ball, basketball, bowling, wheelchair ball and inflatable axe throwing to name a few.
The dignitaries and athletes were piped in to the opening ceremonies where they heard from a panel of guests before top athletes helped cut the ribbon to kick off the festivities.
DRPS Chief Paul Martin, Regional Chair John Henry, Pickering Mayor Ryan and host Ken Shaw of CTV, joined local dignitaries in welcoming the group and wished the athletes lots of luck. Several DRPS members also attended, volunteering their time for this great event. Thanks to the organizers of the games and our Auxiliary members who always play a large part in making the games such a huge success.
Each year 50-100 kids attend the games with their families and guardians to participate. The spirit and sportsmanship of all athletes is recognized through the awarding of medals and trophies and everyone enjoys a pizza lunch served by DRPS members and local volunteers. The group also enjoys a performance by the DRPS band “The Heat.” In the afternoon, the top two teams play wheelchair rugby against the police and auxiliary teams, vying for the Chief’s cup. The games wrap up with an award ceremony.
Back in 1985, DRPS Constable Stu Giffin proposed his vision to host an annual sporting event for children, between the ages of six and 16, with various physical disabilities. With the support of local volunteers; Police Chief of the day, Jon Jenkins; and the Mayor of Pickering, Jack Anderson; Cst. Giffin saw his vision come to life. The Pickering Recreation Centre is still hosting the annual event 34 years later.
