The World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) is one of the most inspiring athletic events in the world. Held every two years, the WPFG brings together thousands of firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, and other first responders to compete in a wide array of sports. Beyond the medals and scores, the Games celebrate courage, fitness, global unity, and the spirit of public service.
In 2025, the event takes place in Birmingham, United Kingdom, for the first time in its history. With more than 10,000 athletes from over 70 nations, the 2025 WPFG promises to be one of the biggest and most impactful editions to date.
A Brief History of WPFG
Origins and Growth
Founded in 1985 by the California Police Athletic Federation, the WPFG began as a way to promote fitness, fellowship, and international friendship among emergency service professionals.
Since its first edition in San Jose, California, the Games have evolved into a global sporting spectacle, held in cities like:
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Stockholm (1999)
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Belfast (2013)
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Fairfax (2015)
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Chengdu (2019)
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Rotterdam (2022)
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Winnipeg (2023)
The WPFG now rivals the scale of the Olympics, with a unique focus on celebrating public safety personnel.
Host City 2025: Birmingham, UK
From June 27 to July 6, 2025, Birmingham will welcome the world’s emergency responders to compete in over 60 sports across 30+ venues.
Why Birmingham?
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Central location in the UK
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Venues used in Commonwealth Games 2022
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A multicultural city with strong support for emergency services
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Easy access via international airports and trains
The city is already preparing for the influx of athletes, volunteers, spectators, and international delegations.
Who Can Participate?
Eligible participants include active and retired professionals from:
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Police forces
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Fire departments
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Correctional facilities
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Border/customs agencies
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Military police and related public safety services
Participants compete as individuals or as agency teams. National flags may be present, but the Games emphasize unity through profession, not politics.
Scope and Significance
The WPFG 2025 will feature:
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10,000+ athletes
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70+ countries represented
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60+ sports
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Thousands of volunteers and spectators
The Games promote fitness, friendship, and wellness, and raise awareness of the vital roles first responders play worldwide.
Sports and Events
The WPFG includes a broad mix of competitive, recreational, and tactical events.
Olympic-style Sports
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Track and Field
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Swimming
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Wrestling
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Judo
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Triathlon
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Cycling
Team Sports
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Football (soccer)
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Ice Hockey
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Basketball
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Softball
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Volleyball
Job-Specific Events
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Firefighter Combat Challenge
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Toughest Competitor Alive (TCA)
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Police Action Pistol
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Stair Race
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Rifle and Shotgun Shooting
Recreational Sports
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Golf
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Bowling
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Darts
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Archery
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Pickleball
New in 2025
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eSports (as a trial event)
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CrossFit challenge
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K9 unit agility trials
This wide selection allows participants of all ages and skill levels to take part.
Ceremonies and Culture
Opening & Closing
The opening ceremony will be held at Villa Park Stadium, featuring:
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Parade of Nations
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Torch relay
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Musical performances
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Honors for fallen responders
The closing ceremony will be a celebration of unity, highlighting friendships built over 10 days of competition.
International Night
A WPFG tradition, International Night lets teams share their home cultures through food, music, and costume. It fosters global camaraderie off the field.
Community Engagement
The Birmingham 2025 organizing team is working closely with local communities:
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Volunteer programs: Thousands of “Games Makers” will help run the event.
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School partnerships: Students will learn about emergency services and interact with international athletes.
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Public Safety Expo: A showcase of equipment, careers, and technologies used in policing and firefighting.
Health and Wellness Focus
The WPFG promotes not only athletic excellence but mental and physical well-being. Side events will include:
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Wellness seminars for PTSD, fitness, and burnout
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Peer support networks for retired responders
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Health screenings and training resources
This holistic approach emphasizes the long-term care of those who serve others.
Security and Operations
Given the nature of the participants, WPFG is a uniquely secure event. Planning involves:
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West Midlands Police
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UK Home Office
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Medical and logistics experts
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Emergency planning teams
Athlete housing, transport, and competition logistics will follow high-efficiency, safety-first protocols.
Economic and Social Impact
Economic Benefits
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Projected £60–80 million local economic boost
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Increased tourism and spending across Birmingham
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Job creation and hospitality opportunities
Social Impact
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Stronger public visibility for emergency services
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Youth inspired to pursue careers in public safety
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Renewed appreciation for first responders post-COVID
Global Media Coverage
The WPFG will be streamed and broadcast worldwide through:
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FloSports & YouTube Live
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Local networks like BBC
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Real-time social media highlights via #WPFG2025
Behind-the-scenes stories will spotlight extraordinary individuals from all over the world.
Challenges and Solutions
Organizers anticipate and are addressing potential concerns:
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Visa access for teams from conflict zones
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Funding support for under-resourced agencies
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Ensuring language access and disability inclusion
Subsidy programs and partnerships are being expanded to support global participation.
Legacy Goals
WPFG 2025 aims to leave behind more than memories:
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Improved sports facilities in Birmingham
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Scholarships for children of fallen responders
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A permanent digital “Wall of Honor”
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Lasting ties between UK and international agencies
Stories That Inspire
The WPFG stage brings countless inspiring stories:
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A firefighter from Brazil running triathlon after surviving a building collapse
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A female officer from Kenya leading both her judo team and a campaign against gender violence
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A retired prison guard from Canada competing in shot put at age 68
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