Officers from the Public Order & Riot Squad (PORS) will compete against the Transplant Australia Football Club this afternoon in support of the Australian Transplant Games 2016. , NSW Police say>
The Transplant Games are an annual week-long competition where those touched by organ donation can come together to give thanks and honour the ‘gift of life.’
They were first held over three days in Melbourne in 1988, where 150 recipient competitors competed in tennis, golf, table tennis, lawn bowls and for children, quoits.
The Games aim to promote organ and tissue donation, the wellbeing of transplant recipients, and express gratitude to the loved ones of donors, and those in the medical community.
In support of the games, specialist PORS officers will take on members of the Transplant Football Club from 1pm at the Elieen Cammack Reserve (also known as Southlands Reserve), which is located on the corner of Evans and Trent Streets in South Penrith.
PORS Commander, Superintendent Donna Adney, said the NSW Police are proud to be involved in a positive event that raises awareness and promotes the health and wellbeing of participants.
"The Transplant Games are a very unique sporting event and our officers are looking forward to taking part this afternoon," Supt Adney said.
"The role of PORS officers can be a physically demanding job so we have a lot of admiration for the recipients taking part in the games this week, many of whom may not have previously been able to play sport at all due to illness.
"Having said that, we know there will be fierce competition this afternoon and we’re keen to compete and help raise awareness for such an important cause."
Transplant Australia Football Club Chair, Matty Hempstalk, said the club was formed to help get recipients, many of whom were former players, back on the football field.
"Today is about promoting the good health of our players and also gives us an opportunity to honour the families of donors," Mr Hempstalk said.
"This is our last game of the season and we’re excited to have it as an exhibition match against PORS officers from the NSW Police Force.
"We’re certainly up for a good challenge, I encourage the community to come along and support the players, it promises to be a great afternoon."
For more information about the Transplant Games 2016, please visit: http://www.australiantransplantgames.com/
