Registration for World Police and Fire Games opens

The opening of registration has been keenly anticipated with an estimated 10,000 athletes from 70 countries expected to enter the games, to be held in Northern Ireland from 1st-10th August 2013.

Judith Gillespie, Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Chair of the 2013 WPFG Board explains, “Registration going live is a key milestone in the delivery of what is going to be the biggest sporting event ever seen in Northern Ireland. It signals that World Police and Fire Games Belfast 2013 is open for business and confirms that the 40 sporting venues are ready to welcome the competitors from across the world.”

Whilst the majority of the sports are being hosted in the Greater Belfast area there are also a number of events taking place across Northern Ireland from North Antrim, to Tyrone to South Down. With the Half-Marathon taking place in Cookstown. This geographical spread will allow visitors to experience the very best of Northern Ireland and NITB has been working in partnership with 2013 WPFG to promote the local tourism offer to both encourage lengthier stays next August and repeat visits in the future.

The online registration system at www.2013wpfg.com enables individuals to register as an athlete, select the sports he/she wishes to participate in and pay related fees. It also allows the purchase of passes for friends and family. Athlete registration and friends and family passes entitle the holder to use of public transport, entry to the opening and closing ceremonies and access to the Athletes’ Village at no extra cost.

Deputy Chief Constable Gillespie continued, “Based on research from previous Games we are anticipating a high level of demand for sports such as golf, tennis, the martial arts, ice hockey, cricket and the lifting competitions which are expected to reach capacity well in advance of the official entry deadline. As entries are accepted on a ‘first-come, first-served’ regional basis we are encouraging competitors to register as early as possible.”

Information about all aspects of the Games including eligibility criteria; detail about individual sports; sports schedule; sports venue locations; transport arrangements; opening and closing ceremonies; Athletes’ Village; air, sea and road access; accommodation; and general tourism information is available on the 2013 WPFG website at www.2013wpfg.com